On presenting Costa-Gavras with the Honorary César in February 2025, actress Karin Viard described the legendary filmmaker as “a man who has never been afraid to challenge the powerful”. The political thriller that marked his directorial debut adapts the eponymous novel by diplomat Vassilis Vassilikos, unravelling the assassination of Greek MP—and left-wing pacifist—Georges Lambrakis, by a far-right group financed by the military and police. This behind-the-scenes portrayal of a judicial investigation obstructed by corrupt ruling elites earned Costa-Gavras two Oscars (Editing and Best Foreign Language Film), along with accolades for Best Director and Best Actor at Cannes. Z remains a masterclass in cinema, where the abuse of power by authoritarian regimes takes on a universal significance.