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| Molières (award) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Molières (award) |
| Country | France |
| Established | 1987 |
| Presenter | Association Professionnelle et Artistique du Théâtre |
| Reward | Trophy |
Molières (award) is the principal national theatre award in France, presented annually to recognize excellence in French stagecraft, acting, directing, playwriting and technical achievement. Instituted in 1987, the prize shares prominence with other European theatre awards and is often compared to the Tony Award in the United States, the Laurence Olivier Award in the United Kingdom and the Molière-era legacy embodied by Molière. The ceremony attracts politicians, critics and cultural institutions such as the Ministry of Culture (France), Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques, and major theatres including the Comédie-Française and Théâtre de l'Odéon.
The award was conceived in the mid-1980s by figures from the French Actors' Guild, the Syndicat National des Metteurs en Scène, and producers associated with venues like the Théâtre du Châtelet, Théâtre de la Ville, Théâtre Mogador and festival organizers from the Festival d'Avignon. Early ceremonies featured recipients connected to institutions such as the Comédie-Française, the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, Théâtre du Palais-Royal and companies led by directors like Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook and Patrice Chéreau. Over time the award adapted to reforms introduced by ministers such as Jack Lang and Franck Riester, and debates involving unions like the Syndicat National des Auteurs et Compositeurs and critics from outlets including Le Monde, Libération and Le Figaro shaped its evolution. The creation of categories for playwrights, emerging companies and technical teams responded to campaigns by advocacy groups tied to venues like Maison de la Culture and festivals like Festival d'Automne à Paris.
Categories have expanded since inception to include distinctions for performers and practitioners affiliated with houses such as Théâtre du Rond-Point, Théâtre Marigny, La Colline and Théâtre de la Ville. Typical categories include Best Play, Best Author, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Musical Production, Best Costume Design, Best Set Design, Best Lighting, Best Choreography and Best Newcomer. Special awards have honored careers at institutions like Comédie-Française, Théâtre de l'Odéon, Théâtre national de Bordeaux en Aquitaine and festivals such as Festival d'Avignon and Biennale de la Danse. Prizes sometimes recognize international collaborations with companies from La Scala, Royal Shakespeare Company, Schaubühne, Berliner Ensemble and touring productions linked to producers like Jean-Rémy Bézias.
Nominations and voting involve a body composed of critics from publications such as Le Monde, Les Inrockuptibles, Télérama and Cahiers du Cinéma who collaborate with representatives from institutions including Comédie-Française, Théâtre national de Chaillot, Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique and unions like the Syndicat National des Metteurs en Scène. The jury and voting college include artistic directors from venues such as Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Théâtre du Gymnase, Théâtre Tristan-Bernard, managers from touring companies, and producers associated with Centre dramatique national centers. Procedures have been influenced by governance models found at the Tony Awards, with ballots distributed to accredited members, eligibility criteria tied to seasons recognized by the Ministry of Culture (France), and oversight by boards similar to those at the Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques.
Recipients have included celebrated figures and companies such as actors Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Fabrice Luchini, Gérard Depardieu, Juliette Binoche, Michel Bouquet; directors Pedro Almodóvar (guest collaborator), Roman Polanski (theatre work), Olivier Py, Julien Sibre, Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook; playwrights Jean-Claude Grumberg, Yasmina Reza, Samuel Beckett (posthumous stagings), Marcel Pagnol (revivals). Companies and designers tied to awards include Comédie-Française ensembles, choreographers from Pina Bausch companies, and scenographers like Gae Aulenti. Records include multiple wins by actors affiliated with Comédie-Française and directors with repeated recognition at festivals such as Festival d'Avignon and awards tally leaders from houses like Théâtre du Châtelet.
The gala has been hosted at prominent venues including Salle Pleyel, Opéra Garnier, Théâtre Mogador and Palais des Congrès de Paris, and broadcast live on networks such as France Télévisions, France 2, Arte and radio partners like France Inter and France Culture. Presenters have included television personalities linked to TF1, Canal+, and critics from Télérama and Le Figaro; performances often feature scenes drawn from productions at Comédie-Française, Théâtre de la Ville and touring shows from companies like La Compagnie des Quatre. Televised ceremonies have faced production coordination with unions such as SACD and crews represented by the Fédération CGT du Spectacle.
Controversies have involved disputes over eligibility that echoed debates seen in institutions like Académie Française and controversies over gender parity similar to discussions at the César Awards. Criticism has come from playwrights and collectives aligned with Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques and venues like Théâtre du Peuple claiming bias toward Parisian houses such as Comédie-Française and Théâtre du Châtelet. Labor disputes with unions including CGT Spectacle and accusations of commercial influence from producers linked to Fédération des Producteurs de Spectacles Vivants have prompted reforms. Public campaigns by artists associated with Festival d'Avignon and cultural commentators from Le Monde spurred transparency measures in voting akin to changes enacted at other French cultural awards.
The award has shaped careers at institutions such as Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique, boosted programming at regional hubs like Théâtre National de Nice, Théâtre National de Toulouse and Théâtre National de Strasbourg, and influenced touring circuits connected to festivals such as Festival d'Avignon and Festival d'Automne à Paris. Recognition has affected repertory inclusion at houses like Comédie-Française, funding decisions by the Ministry of Culture (France), and international exchanges with companies such as Royal Court Theatre and Schaubühne. Its legacy endures through archives preserved at institutions like Bibliothèque nationale de France and scholarly analysis published in journals including Revue d'histoire du théâtre and coverage by outlets like Le Monde and Libération.
Category:French theatre awards