The César ceremony broadcasted on Canal+ and CStar experienced a significant drop in viewership this year, attracting an average of 1.54 million viewers compared to 1.92 million the previous year.
The recent broadcast of the 51st César ceremony on February 26, 2026, saw a notable decrease in audience numbers. The ceremony, hosted by Benjamin Lavernhe, averaged 1.54 million viewers on Canal+ and CStar, accounting for a 10.7% audience share according to Médiamétrie. This figure is substantially lower than last year's average of 1.92 million viewers, highlighting a decline in interest for this year's event.
In comparison to the César ceremony, other programs performed significantly better during the same timeslot. TF1 topped the ratings with over 3 million viewers for its series 'Léo Mattéï, brigade des mineurs,' capturing an audience share of 17%. Following closely was France 3, which aired the telefilm 'L’archer noir,' attracting nearly 2.4 million viewers. These contrasting figures emphasize the competitive landscape of television programming and the challenges faced by prestigious events like the César.
The decline in viewership for the César ceremony raises questions about the event's appeal in the changing media consumption landscape. With more entertainment options available, the ceremony may need to innovate or adapt to capture audience interest. Analyzing viewership trends could provide insights for future improvements in programming and presentation to ensure that key cultural events maintain their significance in French society.
