Five triumphs of French cinema in Hollywood

In 96 editions, French cinema has been widely acclaimed at the Oscars, with over 80 films or personalities honored. Last night, after winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, two Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and six Césars, Justine Triet crowned her marathon with a flourish by clinching the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Anatomy of a Fall. On this memorable day for French cinema, we took the opportunity to celebrate five films that have conquered Hollywood, between film adaptations and Oscars accolades. Each of these films has made its own contribution to the film industry, whether through exceptional performances, captivating narratives, or innovative productions. They testify to the diversity and richness of French cinema and continue to exert their influence on the seventh art.

Plein Soleil (1960)

Plein Soleil (1960), directed by René Clément and adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley", remarkably illustrates the impact of French cinema in Hollywood. The acting, notably that of Alain Delon in the lead role, was particularly praised, adding an extra dimension to its success. The film was acclaimed for its captivating visual style and its most intriguing plot. Its influence was such that it was adapted in Hollywood under the title The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), directed by Anthony Minghella, starring Matt Damon in the lead role. It has become an iconic work, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary cinema (wink to Saltburn) and demonstrating the influence of French cinema in Hollywood and beyond.

La Nuit Américaine (1973)

La Nuit américaine (1973) by François Truffaut, also known as Day for Night, offers a humorous and insightful look behind the scenes of cinema. By exploring the challenges, passions, and complex dynamics of actors and the technical team, the film has become a must-see in cinematic art. Winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1974 attests to its international success. This recognition in Hollywood notably consolidated Truffaut's reputation as a renowned director. La Nuit américaine thus demonstrated that French cinema, far from being limited to its national audience, can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries to reach a global audience.

La Môme (2007)

La Môme (2007), also known as La Vie en Rose, stands out as a major triumph of French cinema in Hollywood. This captivating biopic, tracing the tumultuous life of Édith Piaf, was brought to the screen masterfully by Marion Cotillard, who won the Oscar for Best Actress for her outstanding performance. The film was praised for its creative treatment and artistic realization. Its international acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Oscar, contributed to establishing the reputation of French cinema as an influential and innovative force in the film industry. Marion Cotillard's remarkable performance was the focal point of attention, demonstrating the skill and quality of French actors, making her one of the most sought-after actresses by international directors.

Intouchables (2011)

Intouchables (2011), directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, achieved immense success in France and shone internationally. This heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship was acclaimed for its human warmth and humor. The Hollywood adaptation, The Upside (2019), kept the spotlight on this captivating story without overshadowing the original version. However, this international recognition reinforced the position of Intouchables as a cinematic phenomenon that transcends cultural barriers, illustrating the universal power of emotional narratives and highlighting the talent of French actors.

The Father (2020)

The Father (2020), a Franco-British film directed by Florian Zeller, garnered international acclaim, including in Hollywood. Featuring Anthony Hopkins in a memorable role, the film explores themes of dementia and shifting reality. Awarded several prizes, including two Oscars in 2021 for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, The Father wonderfully illustrates the ongoing relevance of French cinema.