So who are the box-office superstars of French cinema? Who took over the likes of Louis de Funès, Gérard Depardieu, Jean Reno, Jean Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon Let's explore the careers and achievements of the French actors who are new kings of French cinema, from Romain Duris and Jean Dujardin to Vincent Cassel, Christian Clavier, Guillaume Canet.

The Best of French Cinema on TV5MONDE

For those who appreciate the richness of French cinema, TV5MONDE USA is the premier destination. The 24-hour French network broadcasts over 150 French movies annually, along with programming that celebrates French art, culture, and fashion. A TV5MONDE subscription also provides access to an extensive library of French films and TV shows on TV5MONDEplus, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the best of French cinema anytime. With TV5MONDE, the captivating performances of France's finest actors are just a click away, bringing the magic of French film to American audiences. Celebrate the best French actors with TV5MONDEplus' special selection.

Pio Marmaï

Pio Marmaï has steadily risen to become one of France’s most beloved actors. Born in Strasbourg, he began his career in theater before transitioning to film. His breakthrough role came in the 2008 comedy "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life" (Le Premier Jour du Reste de Ta Vie), which showcased his talent and won him a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actor. Known for his versatility, Marmaï has since tackled a wide range of roles in genres from romantic comedies to intense dramas.

Marmaï’s film "Back to Burgundy" (Ce qui nous lie) in 2017 was a commercial success, drawing in over 1.3 million spectators in France. The film highlighted his ability to convey deep emotional narratives, cementing his place in the hearts of French cinema-goers. Additionally, his performance in "The Trouble with You" (En liberté!) was met with critical acclaim and further showcased his box office appeal.

Watch Pio Marmaï in Bazar, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Romain Duris

Romain Duris has long been a fixture in French cinema. His career took off in the mid-1990s with his role in Cédric Klapisch classic comedy Le Péril Jeune. He then landed the title role in "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" (De battre mon cœur s'est arrêté), which earned him a César Award for Best Actor. Known for his intense and brooding style, Duris has carved out a niche for himself in the world of French film.

Duris’s role in the 2005 comedy "The Spanish Apartment" (L'Auberge Espagnole) not only brought him fame but also international recognition. The film was a major hit, drawing nearly 3 million spectators in France alone. Its success spawned two sequels, "Russian Dolls" (Les Poupées Russes) and "Chinese Puzzle" (Casse-tête Chinois), both of which were also well-received and contributed to his status as a box office draw.

Watch Romain Duris in Dans Paris, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Jean Dujardin

Often compared to Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Dujardin, perhaps best known internationally for his Oscar-winning role in "The Artist," has been a beloved figure in French cinema for decades. Much like Jamel Debbouze and Omar Sy, Jean Dujardin's career began in television, but he soon made the leap to film with the popular "OSS 117" series. His portrayal of a clueless French secret agent inspired by the comedic genius Louis de Funès in "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies" (OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions) was a huge hit, leading to two successful sequels.

"The Artist" (2011), a silent black-and-white film, was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards including Best Actor for Dujardin. In France, it drew over 2.7 million spectators. His recent films, like "The Connection" (La French) and "Up for Love" (Un homme à la hauteur), continue to showcase his range and ability to draw audiences.

François Damiens

Belgian actor François Damiens has made a significant impact on French cinema. Known for his comedic talents and funny faces à la Louis de Funès, he first gained fame through hidden camera pranks before transitioning to film. His ability to infuse humor into his roles has made him a favorite among French audiences.

Damiens's performance in "Heartbreaker" (L'Arnacœur) alongside Romain Duris was a standout, drawing over 3.7 million spectators in France. Another notable film is "The Bélier Family" (La Famille Bélier), which was a massive hit, attracting over 7 million spectators. His versatility and consistent box office performances make him a key figure in contemporary French cinema.

Watch François Damiens in Tango libre, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Vincent Cassel

Vincent Cassel is renowned for his intense and often dark portrayals in film. He first gained recognition in "La Haine" (1995), a gritty drama about urban life in Paris. This role set the stage for a career filled with complex characters and critical acclaim.

Cassel’s role in "Black Swan" (2010) brought him international fame, but in France, his performances in films like "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" (Mesrine: L'Instinct de mort) and "Mesrine: Public Enemy Number One" (Mesrine: L'Ennemi public n°1) solidified his box office appeal. Both parts of the "Mesrine" saga drew nearly 3 million spectators combined. His more recent work in "The World Is Yours" (Le Monde est à toi) continues to attract large audiences.

Laurent Lafitte

Laurent Lafitte is a versatile actor who has made a significant impact on both stage and screen. His career began in theater, but he soon transitioned to television and film, where his talent shone through in various roles.

Lafitte’s role in "Little White Lies" (Les Petits Mouchoirs) was a turning point, with the film attracting over 5.4 million spectators in France. His performance in "De l'autre côté du périph" with Omar Sy and "Elle" (2016) also garnered attention, contributing to the film’s success both domestically and internationally. Lafitte’s ability to balance humor and drama makes him a consistent box office draw.

Watch Laurent Lafitte in Paul Sanchez est revenu !, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Vincent Lacoste

Vincent Lacoste, one of the younger stars on this list, has quickly risen through the ranks of French cinema. He made his debut in the 2009 film "The French Kissers" (Les Beaux Gosses), which was a surprising hit and established him as a talented comedic actor.

Lacoste’s role in "Hippocrates" (Hippocrate) in 2014 showcased his dramatic skills and drew significant acclaim. The film attracted over 1 million spectators, further establishing his box office credentials. His recent work in "Amanda" (2018) and "Lost Illusions" (Illusions Perdues) continues to demonstrate his versatility and appeal.

Watch Vincent Lacoste in Mes jours de gloire, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Jean-Paul Rouve

Jean-Paul Rouve is a beloved figure in French cinema, known for his comedic roles. He first gained attention as part of the comedy troupe Les Robins des Bois before transitioning to film.

Rouve’s performance in "The Tuche Family" (Les Tuche) series has been particularly notable, with each installment drawing millions of spectators. The first film alone attracted over 1.5 million viewers, and the sequels have been even more successful, solidifying Rouve’s status as a box office giant. His work in the cult classic sequel "La Vérité si je mens! 3" also added to his box office appeal.

Watch Jean-Paul Rouve in Lowcost, available now on TV5MONDEplus

Christian Clavier

Christian Clavier is a household name in France, known for his work in many hit comedies. He first rose to fame with the comedy group Le Splendid and the film "Les Bronzés" series, which became cult classics.

Clavier’s role in "The Visitors" (Les Visiteurs) in 1993 was a massive success, drawing over 13 million spectators in France. The film’s success led to several sequels and cemented Clavier’s status as a leading box office star. More recently, his work in "Serial (Bad) Weddings" (Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?) and its sequels has continued this trend, with the first film alone drawing over 12 million spectators.

Guillaume Canet

Guillaume Canet is a multi-talented actor, director, and screenwriter. He first gained recognition as an actor in films like "The Beach" (2000) and "Joyeux Noël" (2005). His directorial efforts, such as "Tell No One" (Ne le dis à personne), have also been highly successful.

Canet’s "Little White Lies" (Les Petits Mouchoirs) drew widespread acclaim and over 5.4 million spectators in France. His subsequent work in films like "Rock'n Roll" (2017) and "Sink or Swim" (Le Grand Bain) continues to draw large audiences. Canet’s ability to excel both in front of and behind the camera makes him a unique and influential figure in French cinema.

Celebrate France's best actors with TV5MONDEplus' special selection