After enrolling at the Cours Florent, Guillaume Canet began his acting career with small roles in television and short films. Passioned for equestrian sports, the French actor dreamed of becoming a professional jockey. However, forced to abandon due to a severe accident at the age of 18, he shifted the focus towards acting. His breakthrough came in 1997 when he starred alongside the legendary Jean Rochefort in the thriller Barracuda, for which he received the Best Actor award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. Over the years, Canet has established himself as a versatile and acclaimed actor, starring in a wide range of films, from the romantic drama The Beach (2000) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Virginie Ledoyen, to the critically acclaimed thriller Tell No One (2006), which he also directed and wrote, and for which he earned a César Award for Best Director. Other successful films of his include Little White Lies (2010), Nous Finirons Ensemble (2019), and his commitment to social and environmental issues can be seen in films such as Au nom de la terre (2019) or Turning Tide (2013). Despite his accident, he managed to incorporate his equestrian skills into his filmography, playing the role of Pierre Durand, a champion show jumper, in the 2013 film Jappeloup. Canet’s multifaceted career and his ability to seamlessly transition between acting, directing, and his personal interests have cemented his status as one of the most prominent figures in the French film industry.
