Belgian Cinema Celebrates a New Era with the Inaugural René Awards
The Belgian Francophone film industry ushered in a new chapter on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with the first-ever René Awards, formerly known as the Magritte du Cinéma. The ceremony, held at Flagey, celebrated cinematic achievements even as also marking a significant expansion to include television series in its recognition.
“On vous Croit” Dominates the Evening
“On vous Croit,” directed by Charlotte Devillers and Arnaud Dufeys, emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing the René for Best Film. The film led the nominations with a total of 11, also winning awards for Best Direction, Best Screenplay, and Best First Film. This success highlights a strong debut for the co-directors, whose function was initially presented at the Berlinale in 2025.
Expanding Horizons: Recognizing Television Excellence
A groundbreaking moment for the René Awards was the inclusion of television series. Anne Coesens and Yoann Blanc were honored as Best Actress and Best Actor in a Series, respectively, for their performances in “Pandore” (Season 2). “Baraki” (Season 2) took home the award for Best Series, as voted by the public. This expansion reflects the growing importance and quality of Belgian television production.
Lubna Azabal Continues Reign, New Talent Shines
Lubna Azabal, a celebrated figure in Belgian cinema, continues to add to her impressive collection of accolades. While she didn’t win this year, she remains the most decorated actress with five previous awards, including four for Best Actress. The evening also spotlighted rising stars, with Maria Cavalier-Bazan and Maxi Delmelle receiving the awards for Best Emerging Female Talent and Best Emerging Male Talent for their work in “Aimer perdre.”
A Shift in Identity: From Magritte to René
The name change from Magritte to René reflects a recent shift in the awards’ history. The collaboration with the Fondation René Magritte ended after the 2025 edition, prompting the adoption of a new identity. The new trophy, a unique wooden sculpture, was designed by Belgian artist Vincent Solheid.
Flemish Cinema Also Honored
The René Awards also recognized achievements in Flemish cinema, with “Julian” by Cato Kusters receiving the René for Best Flemish Film. This win follows “Julian’s” success at the Ensor Awards, where it won four awards, including Best Film.
The Future of Belgian Cinema: Trends and Predictions
The 2026 René Awards signal several key trends shaping the future of Belgian cinema. The inclusion of television series is a clear indication of the blurring lines between film and television, driven by the rise of streaming platforms and high-quality long-form storytelling. The focus on emerging talent suggests a commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and actors.
The shift in name and trophy design also points to a desire for reinvention and a fresh perspective. This is particularly important in a rapidly evolving media landscape where awards ceremonies need to remain relevant and engaging. The public’s involvement in voting for Best Series is a positive step towards greater audience participation and a more democratic awards process.
FAQ
Q: What are the René Awards?
A: The René Awards are the premier awards recognizing excellence in Belgian Francophone cinema and, since 2026, television series.
Q: Why did the awards change from Magritte to René?
A: The awards changed names due to the finish of a collaboration with the Fondation René Magritte.
Q: Who won Best Film at the 2026 René Awards?
A: “On vous Croit,” directed by Charlotte Devillers and Arnaud Dufeys, won Best Film.
Q: Are television series now included in the René Awards?
A: Yes, the 2026 awards marked the first time television series were included, with awards for Best Series, Best Actor in a Series, and Best Actress in a Series.
Did you know? The René Awards are voted on by members of the Académie André Delvaux, a body of over 800 professionals from the Belgian film industry.
Explore more about Belgian cinema and the René Awards on RTBF Actus.