Alain Delon declines César presidency for Polanski

French actor Alain Delon rejects the possibility he would serve as president of the César Awards, citing ‘solidarity’ with director Roman Polanski.

Legendary actor Delon called a halt to media reports this week that he would step up to preside over this year’s César Awards (the French Oscars, if you will) after Polanski resigned following controversy.

“If I were asked to preside over” the French awards “in his place, I wouldn't go, in solidarity with Polanski,” Delon reaffirmed.

On January 18, Polanski was selected for an honorary position as the president of the César Awards, later declining the invitation on January 24 after French feminist groups objected to the appointment.

After Polanski resigned, the possibility of Delon becoming the next president gained more currency after Delon's daughter, Anouchka Delon, Instagramed a photo of him to advocate for his appointment.

Polanski is a prominent filmmaker, who has been honored with multiple awards.

He is wanted in the United States after pleading guilty to sexual assault in 1978. He managed to flee the country before sentencing.

In reaction to the event, Delon used a French expression that means putting forth an unpopular opinion, media quoted the actor.

AI/AG