Art appears to be imitating life at the César awards, where French actor Julie Gayet, the star of one political farce, finds herself nominated for her role in another. The alleged lover of president François Hollande is shortlisted as best supporting actress for her performance in Quai d'Orsay, a screwball comedy about a vain French politician.

Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, Quai d'Orsay goes behind the scenes at the French foreign ministry, where harassed government staffers have their hands full attending to the whims of their preening, gnomic boss. Gayet co-stars as a vampish policy adviser on Africa who will reportedly stop at nothing to gain an advantage over her rivals. She is joined on the shortlist by Marisa Borini, Françoise Fabian, Adèle Haenel and Géraldine Pailhas.

Off-screen, Gayet continues to be at the centre of a media storm over the French president's private life. Earlier this week Hollande confirmed his split from first lady Valérie Trierweiler. He has yet to publicly confirm the nature of his relationship with Gayet.

Described as the French equivalent of the Oscars, the 39th annual César awards will be presented at a ceremony in Paris on 28 February. Stranger by the Lake; Me, Myself and Mum; The Past; and Blue Is the Warmest Colour are among the pictures nominated for the best French film prize.

• François Hollande, Julie Gayet … and a very British scandal about a very French affair