If it were me, I'd try for AF out of ORD (just closer to the ultimate destination).

As far as the flight to the departing city (ORD), someone correct me if I'm wrong, but your award ticket will get you there in first on AS.

We redeemed award tickets on BA from Seattle to Venice a few years ago. We had to go to Boston to get on the BA flight, but were put on AS from SEA to BOS in first as part of the award.