John Wax and Jean-Pascal Zadi on the set of Simply Black -
Gaumont / C8 films
Jean-Pascal Zadi is nominated for the César for Most Promising Actor and for the first film with “Tout Simply Noir”.
The world of cinema has taken him more seriously since the success of this comedy theatrically released on July 8, 2020.
But his three children, fans of "Koh-Lanta", are apparently less impressed than him.
Jean-Pascal Zadi was lucky in 2020 and he recognizes it.
His excellent comedy
Simply Black
, released on July 8, has benefited from several weeks of theatrical release.
So much so that it was able to attract more than 750,000 spectators and finds itself twice nominated for the César, for the first film and the male hope.
"The film was released at the right time, when people wanted to laugh after confinement," says the actor and director to
20 Minutes
.
Funny,
Simply Black
(available on DVD at Gaumont) is undoubtedly.
More diversity
But this "documenter" on a failed actor who seeks to mount a protest march in favor of "the black man" is more than amusing.
“Although our primary goal was to entertain, we wanted to invite people to think about more serious subjects,” he admits.
I am proud when people stop me in the street to tell me that they no longer use the word black to talk about blacks.
Jean-Pascal Zadi is also happy to see more and more diversity on the screen.
“Things are progressing well, although there is still some way to go.
"
More credibility
His César nominations did not make Jean-Pascal Zadi take a big head.
“I'm still the same,” he says.
It's the way professionals look at me that has changed.
I am taken more seriously.
A great victory for the actor, screenwriter and director who fought for five years to edit his film.
"I am proof that you have to hang on, work and not hesitate to take the risk of losing everything," he says.
I want to send the message to young people that you can get there by working.
"
Children are wonderful
His family also helped him keep his feet on the ground.
“When I announced to my three children that I was nominated in the hope category, it was the day of the Koh-Lanta final and they just asked me to get out of front of the TV”, recalls- he.
Jean-Pascal Zadi feels a little sad that his wife cannot come with him to the ceremony, accompanying persons not being allowed this year due to Covid-19.
“I'm still happy that the ceremony is taking place.
It shows that the cinema is still alive even if the circumstances are special.
"
It is after having undergone a PCR test 48 hours before the evening and an antigen test the same day that he will be able, like the others named, to access the room.
He will remain masked there, being able to show his face only on stage if he wins.
"Nothing more normal, this virus spreads and kills people", he comments.
Two is better
Jean-Pascal Zadi would, of course, be delighted to win the two awards for which he is expected.
“It would be great to be praised as an actor but if I had to choose just one, I would take the one from the first film so that I can share it with my co-director John Wax.
"It is with the latter that he is preparing a new feature film," a comedy on a serious social issue "with a still secret theme, while the second season of their series
Craignos
will begin on France TV on March 19.
Everything for his mother
The biggest uncertainty on Friday is whether the children of Jean-Pascal Zadi will rather watch the ceremony of Caesar or
Koh-Lanta?
"I think they'll try to see both at the same time," he predicted, "but they warned me that they would skip direct if I didn't win!"
I do not take it badly: they are young and not very cinephiles ”If he is the winner, Jean-Pascal has promised in any case to offer the trophy to his mother, very proud of his success.
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