The producers are awarded for their contribution to French cinema over the past year.

The Prix Daniel Toscan du Plantier has been awarded to Pascal Caucheteux and Gregoire Solat of Why Not Productions.

The prize, which was created three years ago, aims to recognise a film producer who has made an impact on French cinema over the past year. It is named after the late producer and longtime president of Unifrance.

It is awarded by France’s Academie des Arts et Techniques du Cinema in partnership with BNP Paribas Fortis. The jury is made up of the Academie’s governors along with the 246 artists and technicians nominated for a Cesar award in 2009 and 2010.

In order to be considered, producers must have released at least two films (of which one must have been released in the previous year) that are eligible to be nominated in the best picture category of the Cesars.

Claire Denis’ White Material, Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric and Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet were among Why Not’s 2009 productions.