French actress Catherine Deneuve is considered to be one of the greatest stars of European cinema and a major figure of the New Wave. Born in 1943 in Paris, she began her acting career at a young age, making her screen debut at just 13 years old. In 1964, she starred in Jacques Demy’s acclaimed musical film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which established her image as a chic, elegant beauty. She went on to collaborate with other renowned directors such as Roman Polanski, Luis Buñuel, and François Truffaut, often playing aloof and mysterious characters that showcased her dramatic range. Throughout her expansive career spanning nearly 70 years, Catherine Deneuve appeared in over 100 films, many of which have become classics of French cinema. Her performances in films like Belle de Jour (1967), Repulsion (1965), and Tristana (1970) have cemented her status as one of the most iconic actresses of her generation. She received countless nominations and awards, including two César Awards for Best Actress and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in the 1992 film Indochine. She has also been honored with honorary awards, such as the Berlin International Film Festival’s Golden Bear in 1998, the Cannes Film Festival’s Honorary Palme d’Or in 2005, and the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion in 2022. In 2020, The New York Times ranked her as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century. On February 28th, 2025, she will preside over the 50th César Awards ceremony.
