Best French Actor in a Leading Role 1990-1999
The seven best performances by year (1990-1999), French and foreign players playing in films produced mainly in France.
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- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1990 Lacenaire de Francis Girod- Actor
- Soundtrack
Richard Anconina was born on 28 January 1953 in Paris, France. He is an actor, known for So Long, Stooge (1983), Would I Lie to You? (1997) and Itinerary of a Spoiled Child (1988).1990 Le Petit criminel de Jacques Doillon- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Gérard Depardieu was born in Châteauroux, Indre, France, to Anne Jeanne Josèphe (Marillier) and René Maxime Lionel Depardieu, who was a metal worker and fireman. Young delinquent and wanderer in the past, Depardieu started his acting career at the small traveling theatre "Café de la Gare", along with Patrick Dewaere and Miou-Miou. After minor roles in cinema, at last, he got his chance in Bertrand Blier's Going Places (1974). That film established a new type of hero in the French cinema and the actor's popularity grew enormously. Later, he diversified his screen image and became the leading French actor of the 80s and 90s. He was twice awarded a César as Best Actor for The Last Metro (1980) and Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), also received an Oscar nomination for "Cyrano" and a number of awards at international film festivals. In 1996, he was distinguished by the highest French title of "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur". He married Elisabeth Depardieu in 1971, and they divorced in 1996; she appeared with him in Jean de Florette (1986) and Manon of the Spring (1986); their children Guillaume Depardieu and Julie Depardieu are both actors.1990 Cyrano de Bergerac de Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Best French Actor 1990- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Fabrice Luchini was born on 1 November 1951 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for In the House (2012), Molière (2007) and Beaumarchais the Scoundrel (1996).1990 La Discrète de Christian Vincent- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
This suave, elegant character star was a ubiquitous presence in French cinema for nearly seven decades. His distinguished career extended to both stage and screen and his versatility was such that he could take on just about any persona (in his own words: "I do not put on an act... I slip away behind my characters"), from police inspectors to gangsters, from priests and academics to King Louis XVI and the Marquis de Sade. More than a few of his portrayals were of ordinary bourgeois caught up in difficult circumstances or undergoing mid-life crisis. However, Piccoli truly excelled in sardonic, cynical or morally ambiguous roles - playing smooth, quietly-spoken types harbouring dark passions or sinister secrets. His directors have included a veritable who's who of European film makers: Luis Buñuel (six times), Claude Sautet (five times), Alfred Hitchcock (who cast him as Jacques Granville, the principal antagonist in Topaz (1969)), Jean-Pierre Melville, Louis Malle, Alain Resnais, and Jean-Luc Godard.
Piccoli was born in Paris on December 27 1925. His parents were both musicians: his father a Swiss-born violinist, his mother a French pianist. He made his screen debut at 19, for a number of years confined to small supporting roles. Becoming actively involved in left-wing politics, Piccoli joined the Saint-Germain-des-Prés social set, headquartered at the Tabou club and comprising intellectuals and artists whose adherents included the philosophers Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as the chanson and cabaret singer Juliette Gréco (to whom Piccoli was married from 1966 to 1976). His career took off in the early 60s and he enjoyed his first major success as Brigitte Bardot's husband in Godard's Contempt (1963). Luis Bunuel also recognized Piccoli's potential and employed his trademark cerebral eloquence on pivotal parts in important films like Diary of a Chambermaid (1964), Belle de Jour (1967) and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972). In 1973, Piccoli formed his own production company, Films 66, which allowed him even greater freedom in selecting his roles. He continued to work steadily, retaining his huge popularity with French audiences throughout the 80s and 90s. Though nominated four times, he never won the coveted Cesar Award. However, his many other accolades included a win as best actor at Cannes in 1980 and two German Film Awards (in 1988 and 1992). He also directed three feature films, one of which, Alors voilà, (1997), won the Bastone Bianco critical award at the Venice Film Festival.1990 Milou en Mai de Louis Malle- Actor
- Director
- Writer
French character star Jean Rochefort expressed an interest in acting early in life. Born in 1930, he trained at the Paris Conservatoire but had to halt his studies due to military service. Relocating to Paris, he developed a minor name for himself in cabaret and stage plays. He also worked with the Grenier-Hussenot company at this time and acted in TV drama. Throughout his career Rochefort would return sporadically to the theatre as both actor and director. Films took his immediate focus in the late 50s and he became an audience favorite in roguish costumers and adventure films, particularly those of director Philippe de Broca, including Cartouche (1962), Up to His Ears (1965) and The Devil by the Tail (1969). By the 70s, Rochefort's reputation as a comedy star of sex farces and black comedies was firmly established, culminating with his classic roles in The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe (1972), Conspiratia (1973), The Phantom of Liberty (1974), Ugly, Dirty and Bad (1976) and Pardon Mon Affaire (1976). He won the Cesar Award (French equivalent of the Oscar) for best supporting actor in The Clockmaker (1974) and the best actor trophy for Le Crabe-Tambour (1977). Though he branched out internationally in later years, he earned more kudos for his work in French-made films, especially those directed by Patrice Leconte: Tandem (1987), The Hairdresser's Husband (1990) and the Oscar-nominated Ridicule (1996). Most recently he won praise co-starring as a retired teacher of poetry opposite actor Johnny Hallyday in Man on the Train (2002). Despite his obvious comedic electricity, he has touched audiences as well playing dying naval captains, paraplegics, and timorous, elderly dreamers, often drawing both humor and pathos simultaneously from his characters. Not as well known by America's standards, his sunken, weary features, ever-searching eyes, ever-present moustache and prominent nose are unmistakable in the over 80 films he's graced. A lifetime dream was to play Don Quixote on film and his wish was nearly fulfilled until he took seriously ill and the project had to be indefinitely shelved after only a few days of filming. Rochefort received a special life's achievement Cesar award in 1999. He died on October 9, 2017 in Paris, France.1990 La Mari de la coiffeuse de Patrice Leconte- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
As accomplished and versatile the well-loved French actor Michel Serrault proved to be over the course of five decades, American audiences still remember this actor for one role only - that of the neurotic, outrageously flamboyant drag performer Albin (aka Zaza) in the side-splitting French gay farce La Cage aux Folles (1978). Opposite Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi as his more subdued partner/manager Renato, the unambiguously gay duo easily became one of the most well-received matchups ever on celluloid both here and abroad. Forget Felix and Oscar or even the Scarlett and Rhett coupling, this pair managed to turn La Cage aux Folles (1978) not only into the cult film classic it is today, but made it one of America's largest cross-over European hits ever.
Born in Brunoy, France on January 24, 1928, Serrault initially had a calling to join the priesthood. After entering the seminary, he quickly realized there would be a conflict with the vow of celibacy and left. The love of performing must have also been a strong factor as he quickly changed the course of his destiny and taking up dramatic studies in Paris. His career began on the cabaret stage and as a singing apprentice and member of Robert Dhery's theater troupe before its focus shifted to filmmaking in the mid-50s. Making his film debut in 1954, one of his earliest films was in Henri-Georges Clouzot's masterpiece thriller Diabolique (1955) starring Simone Signoret in a featured part.
From there he developed into a supremely talented performer who went on to appear in hundreds of character film studies, With a chameleon-like approach to his work, he proved himself not only a gifted and witty farceur but a dark and compelling dramatic actor capable of going to extreme depths in order to play a character. A successful partnership on stage and in film with the late writer/actor Jean Poiret, which included his huge international hit La Cage aux Folles (1978) and its first sequel, enhanced the respect he earned over the years. Serrault seldom ventured outside the realm of Gallic filming, which explains why he has not been a strong foreign name in America.
He has been a recipient of many awards for his work. In France he has the distinction of being a three-time "Best Actor" César winner for La Cage aux Folles (1978), The Grilling (1981) and, more recently, his retired judge in Nelly & Monsieur Arnaud (1995). Like fine wine, Serrault continued to age well as an actor while continuing to stay on top of his craft with such marvelous performances as his grifter alongside Isabelle Huppert in Claude Chabrol's L'entourloupe (1980), the titular serial killer Dr. Petiot (1990), the white-haired old timer opposite film icon Jeanne Moreau in The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea (1991) and his farmer in The Girl from Paris (2001). He died on July 29, 2007 of cancer and was survived by his wife Juanita and actress/daughter Nathalie Serrault1990 Docteur Pétiot de Christian de Chalonge- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Richard Bohringer was born on 16 January 1942 in Moulins, Allier, France. He is an actor and writer, known for The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), C'est beau une ville la nuit (2006) and L'addition (1984).1991 Une époque formidable de Gérard Jugnot- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
Regardless of being called 'a dilettante of music', Jacques Dutronc became a very popular French singer and composer since the mid-60s. In the early 70s he began his screen career collaborating with such directors as Jean-Luc Godard, Andrzej Zulawski, Claude Lelouch and Maurice Pialat. For his unusual portrayal of Vincent van Gogh in Maurice Pialat's Van Gogh (1991) he was awarded Cesar in 1992. He continues his musical career and in 1995 he recorded the new album called "A part ça".1991 Van Gogh de Maurice Pialat
Best French Actor 1991- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Hippolyte Girardot was born on 10 October 1955 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Yuki and Nina (2009), Paris, I Love You (2006) and The French Dispatch (2021).1991 Hors la vie de Maroun Bagdadi- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Gérard Jugnot was born on 4 May 1951 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for The Chorus (2004), Une époque formidable... (1991) and Scout toujours... (1985).1991 Une époque formidable de Gérard Jugnot- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Denis Lavant was born on 17 June 1961 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Holy Motors (2012), Beau Travail (1999) and Bad Blood (1986).1991 Les Amants du Pont-Neuf de Léos Carax- Actor
- Soundtrack
Jean-Pierre Marielle was born on 12 April 1932 in Paris, France. He was an actor, known for The Da Vinci Code (2006), Tous les matins du monde (1991) and Micmacs (2009). He was married to Agathe Natanson, Catherine-Françoise Burette, Michelle Charlotte Bompart and Noëlle Leiris. He died on 24 April 2019 in Saint-Cloud, Hauts-de-Seine, France.1991 Tous les matins du monde d'Alain Corneau- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
This suave, elegant character star was a ubiquitous presence in French cinema for nearly seven decades. His distinguished career extended to both stage and screen and his versatility was such that he could take on just about any persona (in his own words: "I do not put on an act... I slip away behind my characters"), from police inspectors to gangsters, from priests and academics to King Louis XVI and the Marquis de Sade. More than a few of his portrayals were of ordinary bourgeois caught up in difficult circumstances or undergoing mid-life crisis. However, Piccoli truly excelled in sardonic, cynical or morally ambiguous roles - playing smooth, quietly-spoken types harbouring dark passions or sinister secrets. His directors have included a veritable who's who of European film makers: Luis Buñuel (six times), Claude Sautet (five times), Alfred Hitchcock (who cast him as Jacques Granville, the principal antagonist in Topaz (1969)), Jean-Pierre Melville, Louis Malle, Alain Resnais, and Jean-Luc Godard.
Piccoli was born in Paris on December 27 1925. His parents were both musicians: his father a Swiss-born violinist, his mother a French pianist. He made his screen debut at 19, for a number of years confined to small supporting roles. Becoming actively involved in left-wing politics, Piccoli joined the Saint-Germain-des-Prés social set, headquartered at the Tabou club and comprising intellectuals and artists whose adherents included the philosophers Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as the chanson and cabaret singer Juliette Gréco (to whom Piccoli was married from 1966 to 1976). His career took off in the early 60s and he enjoyed his first major success as Brigitte Bardot's husband in Godard's Contempt (1963). Luis Bunuel also recognized Piccoli's potential and employed his trademark cerebral eloquence on pivotal parts in important films like Diary of a Chambermaid (1964), Belle de Jour (1967) and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972). In 1973, Piccoli formed his own production company, Films 66, which allowed him even greater freedom in selecting his roles. He continued to work steadily, retaining his huge popularity with French audiences throughout the 80s and 90s. Though nominated four times, he never won the coveted Cesar Award. However, his many other accolades included a win as best actor at Cannes in 1980 and two German Film Awards (in 1988 and 1992). He also directed three feature films, one of which, Alors voilà, (1997), won the Bastone Bianco critical award at the Venice Film Festival.1991 La Belle noiseuse de Jacques Rivette- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1992 Un cœur en hiver de Claude Sautet- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Richard Berry was born on 31 July 1950 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for 22 Bullets (2010), Ruby & Quentin (2003) and Our Women (2015). He has been married to Pascale Louange since 17 September 2016. They have one child. He was previously married to Jessica Forde and Jeane Manson.1992 Le Petit Prince a dit... de Christine Pascal- Actor
- Additional Crew
Didier Bezace was born on 10 February 1946 in Paris, France. He was an actor, known for L.627 (1992), Low Profile (1993) and Les Thibault (2003). He died on 11 March 2020 in Paris, France.1992 L.627 de Bertrand Tavernier- Actor
- Soundtrack
Claude Brasseur was born on 15 June 1936 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He was an actor, known for Band of Outsiders (1964), Pardon Mon Affaire (1976) and O Fio do Horizonte (1993). He was married to Michèle Cambon and Peggy Roche. He died on 22 December 2020 in Paris, France.1992 Le Souper d'Edouard Molinaro- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Vincent Lindon was born on 15 July 1959 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Titane (2021), The Measure of a Man (2015) and La haine (1995). He was previously married to Sandrine Kiberlain.1992 La Crise de Coline Serreau- Actor
- Sound Department
- Additional Crew
Yves Montand was born on 13 October 1921 in Monsummano Terme, Tuscany, Italy. He was an actor, known for Jean de Florette (1986), Z (1969) and The Wages of Fear (1953). He was married to Simone Signoret. He died on 9 November 1991 in Senlis, Oise, France.1992 IP5, l'île aux pachydermes de Jean-Jacques Beineix- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Claude Rich was born on 8 February 1929 in Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, France. He was an actor and writer, known for Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002), I Love You, I Love You (1968) and Le souper (1992). He was married to Catherine Rich. He died on 20 July 2017 in Orgeval, Yvelines, France.1992 Le Souper d'Edouard Molinaro
Best French Actor 1992- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Pierre Arditi was born on 1 December 1944 in Paris, France. He is an actor, known for Mélo (1986), Smoking/No Smoking (1993) and Sauveur Giordano (2001). He has been married to Evelyne Bouix since 31 May 2010. He was previously married to Florence Giorgetti.1993 Smoking/No smoking d'Alain Resnais
Best French Actor 1993- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1993 Ma saison préférée d'André Téchiné- Actor
- Writer
Jean-Pierre Bacri was born on 24 May 1951 in Castiglione, Alger, France [now Bou Ismail, Algeria]. He was an actor and writer, known for Look at Me (2004), The Taste of Others (2000) and Family Resemblances (1996). He was married to Agnès Jaoui. He died on 18 January 2021 in Paris, France.1993 Cuisine et dépendances de Philippe Muyl- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Michel Boujenah was born on 2 November 1952 in Tunis, French Protectorate Tunisia [now Tunisia]. He is an actor and writer, known for Heartstrings (2016), Three Men and a Cradle (1985) and Père et fils (2003).1993 Le Nombril du monde d'Ariel Zeitoun- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Christian Clavier was born on 6 May 1952 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for The Visitors (1993), Just Visiting (2001) and Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999). He was previously married to Marie-Anne Chazel.1993 Les Visiteurs de Jean-Marie Poiré- Actor
- Director
- Soundtrack
Jacques Dufilho was born on 19 February 1914 in Bègles, Gironde, France. He was an actor and director, known for Le Crabe-Tambour (1977), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) and A Bad Son (1980). He died on 28 August 2005 in Lectoure, Gers, France.1993 Pétain de Jean Marboeuf- Jean Reno was born Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez in Casablanca, Morocco, to Spanish parents (from Andalucía) who moved to North Africa to seek work. His father was a linotypist. Reno settled in France at 17. He began studying drama and has credits in French television and theater as well as films. His first two marriages both ended in divorce, and he had two children with each of them. He keeps homes in Paris and Los Angeles.1993 Les Visiteurs de Jean-Marie Poiré
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Yvan Attal was born on 4 January 1965 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He is an actor and writer, known for The Accusation (2021), Rush Hour 3 (2007) and Munich (2005).1994 Les Patriotes d'Eric Rochant- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1994 La Séparation de Christian Vincent- Actor
- Soundtrack
François Cluzet was born on 21 September 1955 in Paris, France. He is an actor, known for The Intouchables (2011), Tell No One (2006) and French Kiss (1995). He has been married to Narjiss Slaoui-Falcoz since 2011. He was previously married to Chantal Perrin.1994 L'enfer de Claude Chabrol- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Gérard Depardieu was born in Châteauroux, Indre, France, to Anne Jeanne Josèphe (Marillier) and René Maxime Lionel Depardieu, who was a metal worker and fireman. Young delinquent and wanderer in the past, Depardieu started his acting career at the small traveling theatre "Café de la Gare", along with Patrick Dewaere and Miou-Miou. After minor roles in cinema, at last, he got his chance in Bertrand Blier's Going Places (1974). That film established a new type of hero in the French cinema and the actor's popularity grew enormously. Later, he diversified his screen image and became the leading French actor of the 80s and 90s. He was twice awarded a César as Best Actor for The Last Metro (1980) and Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), also received an Oscar nomination for "Cyrano" and a number of awards at international film festivals. In 1996, he was distinguished by the highest French title of "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur". He married Elisabeth Depardieu in 1971, and they divorced in 1996; she appeared with him in Jean de Florette (1986) and Manon of the Spring (1986); their children Guillaume Depardieu and Julie Depardieu are both actors.1994 Le Colonel Chabert d'Yves Angelo- Gérard Lanvin was born on 21 June 1950 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1 (2008), The Prize of Peril (1983) and The Taste of Others (2000). He has been married to Jennifer since 19 May 1984. They have two children.1994 Le Fils préféré de Nicole Garcia
Best French Actor 1994 - Jean Reno was born Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez in Casablanca, Morocco, to Spanish parents (from Andalucía) who moved to North Africa to seek work. His father was a linotypist. Reno settled in France at 17. He began studying drama and has credits in French television and theater as well as films. His first two marriages both ended in divorce, and he had two children with each of them. He keeps homes in Paris and Los Angeles.1994 Léon de Luc Besson
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Born 1930 in Piolenc in south France as son of a wealthy industrialist. Studied law in Aix-en-Provence. Started theatrical acting in 1950, but was regarded untalented at first, until Roger Vadim discovered him for the movies. When the press stalked him 1956 because of rumors of an affair with Brigitte Bardot his partner in ...And God Created Woman (1956), he fled into the army. Ten years later he had his first big success with A Man and a Woman (1966). Since then he has starred in more than 100 movies, with a special talent for the dark characters like murderers or jealous husbands. In his late career he preferred theater to movies.1994 Trois couleurs: Rouge de Krzysztof Kieslowski- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
The son of the renowned French sculptor Paul Belmondo, he studied at Conservatoire National Superieur d'Art Dramatique (CNSAD); after the minor stage performances he made his screen debut in À pied, à cheval et en voiture (1957) but the episodes with his participation were cut before release. However, the breakthrough role in Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless (1960) made him one of the key figures in the French New Wave. Since mid-60s he completely switched to commercial mainstream pictures and became a big comedy and action star in France. Following the example of Alain Delon he founded his own production company Cerito named after his grandmother's maiden name. In 1989 he was awarded Cesar for his performance in Itinerary of a Spoiled Child (1988) . Recently he returned to stage performing in the Théâtre Marigny, Paris, notably as Edmund Kean or Cyrano de Bergerac. He still appears in the movies but not so often as before preferring mostly dramatic roles. The president of France distinguished him with order of Legion of Honour. Belmondo had three children with his first spouse Elodie Constant: Patricia Belmondo ( who died in a fire in 1993), Florence Belmondo and Paul Belmondo. In 2003, he had another daughter, Stella Belmondo, with his second spouse Natty Belmondo. None of his children became actors though you could have seen his son Paul in an episodic role (the same as his father, at an earlier age) in Itinerary of a Spoiled Child (1988).1995 Les Misérables de Claude Lelouch- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Blue-eyed Vincent Cassel was born in Paris to a leading actor father, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and a journalist mother, Sabine Litique. Often labeled as a tough guy because of his roles, eclectic choices and talent have made of him a star of European cinema. First in La haine (1995), the young actor, actually coming from upper classes, succeeded to express the despair of a social class living in the suburbs of towns. This veracity in his play comes from the fact that he was in fact since years in connection with many hip-hop artists from the rising generation, (his own brother was leader of a legendary french rap group). Then the success of The Crimson Rivers (2000), where he plays a young French cop alongside Jean Reno, made of him "the man to count on." He never hid his taste for rap music, break dance, Capoeira, Brasil and his endless energy, but Vincent is also a family man, married to Monica Bellucci, his Italian co-star from The Apartment (1996) (aka The Apartment); and recently a father.1995 La Haine de Mathieu Kassovitz- Writer
- Actor
- Producer
Born in Oran, French Algeria in 1958, Alain Chabat moved with his family to Massy, a suburb of Paris, as the Algeria War came to an end in 1963. In 1987, he started a comedy sketch group for television called Les Nuls which developed a cult following. His acting career led to four Césars awards for films and a gig dubbing the character of Shrek for the French release versions of the franchise.1995 Gazon maudit de Josiane Balasko- Actor
- Soundtrack
François Cluzet was born on 21 September 1955 in Paris, France. He is an actor, known for The Intouchables (2011), Tell No One (2006) and French Kiss (1995). He has been married to Narjiss Slaoui-Falcoz since 2011. He was previously married to Chantal Perrin.1995 Les Apprentis de Pierre Salvadori- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Gérard Depardieu was born in Châteauroux, Indre, France, to Anne Jeanne Josèphe (Marillier) and René Maxime Lionel Depardieu, who was a metal worker and fireman. Young delinquent and wanderer in the past, Depardieu started his acting career at the small traveling theatre "Café de la Gare", along with Patrick Dewaere and Miou-Miou. After minor roles in cinema, at last, he got his chance in Bertrand Blier's Going Places (1974). That film established a new type of hero in the French cinema and the actor's popularity grew enormously. Later, he diversified his screen image and became the leading French actor of the 80s and 90s. He was twice awarded a César as Best Actor for The Last Metro (1980) and Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), also received an Oscar nomination for "Cyrano" and a number of awards at international film festivals. In 1996, he was distinguished by the highest French title of "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur". He married Elisabeth Depardieu in 1971, and they divorced in 1996; she appeared with him in Jean de Florette (1986) and Manon of the Spring (1986); their children Guillaume Depardieu and Julie Depardieu are both actors.1995 Le Garçu de Maurice Pialat- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
As accomplished and versatile the well-loved French actor Michel Serrault proved to be over the course of five decades, American audiences still remember this actor for one role only - that of the neurotic, outrageously flamboyant drag performer Albin (aka Zaza) in the side-splitting French gay farce La Cage aux Folles (1978). Opposite Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi as his more subdued partner/manager Renato, the unambiguously gay duo easily became one of the most well-received matchups ever on celluloid both here and abroad. Forget Felix and Oscar or even the Scarlett and Rhett coupling, this pair managed to turn La Cage aux Folles (1978) not only into the cult film classic it is today, but made it one of America's largest cross-over European hits ever.
Born in Brunoy, France on January 24, 1928, Serrault initially had a calling to join the priesthood. After entering the seminary, he quickly realized there would be a conflict with the vow of celibacy and left. The love of performing must have also been a strong factor as he quickly changed the course of his destiny and taking up dramatic studies in Paris. His career began on the cabaret stage and as a singing apprentice and member of Robert Dhery's theater troupe before its focus shifted to filmmaking in the mid-50s. Making his film debut in 1954, one of his earliest films was in Henri-Georges Clouzot's masterpiece thriller Diabolique (1955) starring Simone Signoret in a featured part.
From there he developed into a supremely talented performer who went on to appear in hundreds of character film studies, With a chameleon-like approach to his work, he proved himself not only a gifted and witty farceur but a dark and compelling dramatic actor capable of going to extreme depths in order to play a character. A successful partnership on stage and in film with the late writer/actor Jean Poiret, which included his huge international hit La Cage aux Folles (1978) and its first sequel, enhanced the respect he earned over the years. Serrault seldom ventured outside the realm of Gallic filming, which explains why he has not been a strong foreign name in America.
He has been a recipient of many awards for his work. In France he has the distinction of being a three-time "Best Actor" César winner for La Cage aux Folles (1978), The Grilling (1981) and, more recently, his retired judge in Nelly & Monsieur Arnaud (1995). Like fine wine, Serrault continued to age well as an actor while continuing to stay on top of his craft with such marvelous performances as his grifter alongside Isabelle Huppert in Claude Chabrol's L'entourloupe (1980), the titular serial killer Dr. Petiot (1990), the white-haired old timer opposite film icon Jeanne Moreau in The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea (1991) and his farmer in The Girl from Paris (2001). He died on July 29, 2007 of cancer and was survived by his wife Juanita and actress/daughter Nathalie Serrault1995 Nelly et Monsieur Arnaud de Claude Sautet
Best French Actor 1995- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Born 1930 in Piolenc in south France as son of a wealthy industrialist. Studied law in Aix-en-Provence. Started theatrical acting in 1950, but was regarded untalented at first, until Roger Vadim discovered him for the movies. When the press stalked him 1956 because of rumors of an affair with Brigitte Bardot his partner in ...And God Created Woman (1956), he fled into the army. Ten years later he had his first big success with A Man and a Woman (1966). Since then he has starred in more than 100 movies, with a special talent for the dark characters like murderers or jealous husbands. In his late career he preferred theater to movies.1995 Fiesta de Pierre Boutron- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1996 Le Huitième jour de Jaco Van Dormael- Actor
- Writer
Jean-Pierre Bacri was born on 24 May 1951 in Castiglione, Alger, France [now Bou Ismail, Algeria]. He was an actor and writer, known for Look at Me (2004), The Taste of Others (2000) and Family Resemblances (1996). He was married to Agnès Jaoui. He died on 18 January 2021 in Paris, France.1996 Un air de famille de Cédric Klapisch- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Charles Berling was born on the 30th of April 1958, in Saint-Mandé in Val de Marne, France. His father was a doctor in Toulon and his mother was an English teacher. At the age of 15, he began theater at school with his brother. His interest in acting grew thanks to his love in literature for authors such as Baudelaire and Céline. Later, he studied acting in Insas in Brussels, Belgium. This was when he decided to have a long career in acting. At this point, he began playing in several plays, such as "L'école des femmes" by Molière or "Le Parc" by Botho Strauss. Soon afterward, Jean-Louis Martinelli, director of the national theater of Strasbourg, hired him. Charles spent several years with him. There, he played numerous plays as well, one of which is "Roberto Zucco" by Bernard-Marie Koltès. In what concerns movies, his career began only later in the nineties. It began with small roles, like Desire (1992) or Just Friends (1993). However, the year where his career really took off was in 1996, with his movie Ridicule (1996), in which he plays a nobleman trying to survive in the royal court of Louis XVI. As time passed by, his success grew, and people began to recognize his true talent. In 1998, he was nominated with a César for Best Actor for his performance in Boredom (1998). A couple of years later, in 2000, his movie Stardom (2000) was presented in the Festival of Cannes.1996 Ridicule de Patrice Leconte- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Mathieu Kassovitz was born on 3 August 1967 in Paris, France. He is an actor and director, known for Amélie (2001), La haine (1995) and The Fifth Element (1997).1996 Un héros très discret de Jacques Audiard- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Fabrice Luchini was born on 1 November 1951 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for In the House (2012), Molière (2007) and Beaumarchais the Scoundrel (1996).1996 Beaumarchais, l'insolent d'Edouard Molinaro- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Patrick Timsit was born on 15 July 1959 in Alger, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Quasimodo d'El Paris (1999), Pédale douce (1996) and Le cousin (1997).1996 Pédale douce de Gabriel Aghion- Philippe Torreton was born on 13 October 1965 in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. He is an actor and writer, known for District 13: Ultimatum (2009), Captain Conan (1996) and It All Starts Today (1999). He has been married to Elsa Boublil since June 2008. They have one child. He was previously married to Anne-Marie Etienne.1996 Capitaine Conan de Bertrand Tavernier
Best French Actor 1996 - Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1997 Le Bossu de Philippe de Broca- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Charles Berling was born on the 30th of April 1958, in Saint-Mandé in Val de Marne, France. His father was a doctor in Toulon and his mother was an English teacher. At the age of 15, he began theater at school with his brother. His interest in acting grew thanks to his love in literature for authors such as Baudelaire and Céline. Later, he studied acting in Insas in Brussels, Belgium. This was when he decided to have a long career in acting. At this point, he began playing in several plays, such as "L'école des femmes" by Molière or "Le Parc" by Botho Strauss. Soon afterward, Jean-Louis Martinelli, director of the national theater of Strasbourg, hired him. Charles spent several years with him. There, he played numerous plays as well, one of which is "Roberto Zucco" by Bernard-Marie Koltès. In what concerns movies, his career began only later in the nineties. It began with small roles, like Desire (1992) or Just Friends (1993). However, the year where his career really took off was in 1996, with his movie Ridicule (1996), in which he plays a nobleman trying to survive in the royal court of Louis XVI. As time passed by, his success grew, and people began to recognize his true talent. In 1998, he was nominated with a César for Best Actor for his performance in Boredom (1998). A couple of years later, in 2000, his movie Stardom (2000) was presented in the Festival of Cannes.1997 Nettoyage à sec d'Anne Fontaine- Actor
- Soundtrack
Claude Brasseur was born on 15 June 1936 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He was an actor, known for Band of Outsiders (1964), Pardon Mon Affaire (1976) and O Fio do Horizonte (1993). He was married to Michèle Cambon and Peggy Roche. He died on 22 December 2020 in Paris, France.1997 L'autre côté de la mer de Dominique Cabrera- Writer
- Actor
- Producer
Born in Oran, French Algeria in 1958, Alain Chabat moved with his family to Massy, a suburb of Paris, as the Algeria War came to an end in 1963. In 1987, he started a comedy sketch group for television called Les Nuls which developed a cult following. His acting career led to four Césars awards for films and a gig dubbing the character of Shrek for the French release versions of the franchise.1997 Didier d'Alain Chabat- André Dussollier was born on 17 February 1946 in Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France. He is an actor, known for Tell No One (2006), A Very Long Engagement (2004) and Amélie (2001).1997 On connaît la chanson d'Alain Resnais
Best French Actor 1997 - Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Vincent Lindon was born on 15 July 1959 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Titane (2021), The Measure of a Man (2015) and La haine (1995). He was previously married to Sandrine Kiberlain.1997 Fred de Pierre Jolivet- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Patrick Timsit was born on 15 July 1959 in Alger, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Quasimodo d'El Paris (1999), Pédale douce (1996) and Le cousin (1997).1997 Le Cousin d'Alain Corneau- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Charles Berling was born on the 30th of April 1958, in Saint-Mandé in Val de Marne, France. His father was a doctor in Toulon and his mother was an English teacher. At the age of 15, he began theater at school with his brother. His interest in acting grew thanks to his love in literature for authors such as Baudelaire and Céline. Later, he studied acting in Insas in Brussels, Belgium. This was when he decided to have a long career in acting. At this point, he began playing in several plays, such as "L'école des femmes" by Molière or "Le Parc" by Botho Strauss. Soon afterward, Jean-Louis Martinelli, director of the national theater of Strasbourg, hired him. Charles spent several years with him. There, he played numerous plays as well, one of which is "Roberto Zucco" by Bernard-Marie Koltès. In what concerns movies, his career began only later in the nineties. It began with small roles, like Desire (1992) or Just Friends (1993). However, the year where his career really took off was in 1996, with his movie Ridicule (1996), in which he plays a nobleman trying to survive in the royal court of Louis XVI. As time passed by, his success grew, and people began to recognize his true talent. In 1998, he was nominated with a César for Best Actor for his performance in Boredom (1998). A couple of years later, in 2000, his movie Stardom (2000) was presented in the Festival of Cannes.1998 L'ennui de Cédric Kahn- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Antoine de Caunes was born on 1 December 1953 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and director, known for Man Is a Woman (1998), Yann Piat, chronique d'un assassinat (2012) and Love Bites (2001). He has been married to Daphné Roulier since May 2007. They have one child.1998 L'homme est une femme comme les autres de Jean-Jacques Zilbermann- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Jean-Pierre Darroussin was born on 4 December 1953 in Courbevoie, Seine [now Hauts-de-Seine], France. He is an actor and director, known for Family Resemblances (1996), Le pressentiment (2006) and Le Havre (2011).1998 Le Poulpe de Guillaume Nicloux- Actor
- Writer
Pascal Greggory was born on 8 September 1954 in Paris, France. He is an actor and writer, known for La Vie En Rose (2007), Pauline at the Beach (1983) and Par le sang (2018).1998 Ceux qui m'aiment prendront le train de Patrice Chéreau- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Writer
Denis Podalydès was born on 22 April 1963 in Versailles, France. He is an actor and writer, known for The Conquest (2011), French Tech (2020) and Jeanne and the Perfect Guy (1998).1998 Dieu seul me voit de Bruno Podalydès- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Jacques Villeret was born on 6 February 1951 in Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France. He was an actor and writer, known for Le Dîner de Cons (1998), Robert et Robert (1978) and Malevil (1981). He was married to Irina Tarassov. He died on 28 January 2005 in Evreux, Eure, France.1998 Le Dîner de cons de Francis Veber
Best French Actor 1998- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Daniel Auteuil was born on 24 January 1950 in Algiers, Alger, France [now Algeria]. He is an actor and director, known for Caché (2005), Jean de Florette (1986) and The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011). He has been married to Aude Ambroggi since 22 July 2006. They have one child. He was previously married to Emmanuelle Béart and Anne Jousset.1999 La Fille sur le pont de Patrice Leconte
Best French Actor 1999- Actor
- Writer
Jean-Pierre Bacri was born on 24 May 1951 in Castiglione, Alger, France [now Bou Ismail, Algeria]. He was an actor and writer, known for Look at Me (2004), The Taste of Others (2000) and Family Resemblances (1996). He was married to Agnès Jaoui. He died on 18 January 2021 in Paris, France.1999 Kennedy et moi de Sam Karmann- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Albert Dupontel was born on 11 January 1964 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Seine-et-Oise, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Irreversible (2002), 9-Month Stretch (2013) and See You Up There (2017).1999 La Maladie de Sachs de Michel Deville- Jacques Gamblin was born on 16 November 1957 in Granville, Manche, France. He is an actor and writer, known for The Children of the Marshland (1999), Safe Conduct (2002) and The Names of Love (2010).1999 Les Enfants du marais de Jean Becker
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Vincent Lindon was born on 15 July 1959 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He is an actor and writer, known for Titane (2021), The Measure of a Man (2015) and La haine (1995). He was previously married to Sandrine Kiberlain.1999 Ma petite entreprise de Pierre Jolivet- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Benoît Poelvoorde was born on 22 September 1964 in Namur, Wallonia, Belgium. He is an actor and writer, known for Man Bites Dog (1992), The Brand New Testament (2015) and Romantics Anonymous (2010).1999 Les Convoyeurs attendent de Benoît Mariage- Philippe Torreton was born on 13 October 1965 in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. He is an actor and writer, known for District 13: Ultimatum (2009), Captain Conan (1996) and It All Starts Today (1999). He has been married to Elsa Boublil since June 2008. They have one child. He was previously married to Anne-Marie Etienne.1999 ça commence aujourd'hui de Bertrand Tavernier