People under investigation for sex crimes barred from French 'Oscars' ceremony

Protesters outside Paris's Cinématheque hold placards reading "If raping is an art, give Polanski all the Cesars" (L) and "Polanski, 5 accusations of rape on minors, on the run since 1978, that deserves a retrospective" (C) during a demonstration on October 30, 2017. AFP - GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT

Organisers of the César Awards, France's version of the Oscars, have said that anyone being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct will be barred from attending the ceremony next month, though they can still be nominated.

There were fears of protests at the event on 25 February over the latest #MeToo furore involving newcomer actor Sofiane Bennacer, who is being investigated by police on two allegations of rape and one of violence against a partner.