Wondering who are the rightful heiresses of Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Adjani, and Emmanuelle Béart, who were the box-office queens for decades? We have selected 10 actresses who have been consistently drawing large audiences, whether they are seasoned French actresses like Audrey Tautou, Marion Cotillard, and Isabelle Huppert, or new box office giants like Léa Seydoux and Camille Cottin.

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Watch the best French actresses on TV5MONDE

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert is a legendary figure in French cinema, known for her prolific career and extraordinary acting talent. She has appeared in over 100 films since her debut in the early 1970s, consistently delivering powerful performances. Huppert's versatility is evident in her ability to portray complex characters across various genres, from intense dramas to thought-provoking comedies.

One of her most notable box office successes is "The Piano Teacher" (La Pianiste), which attracted over 1.5 million spectators in France. Huppert's performance in "Elle" (2016) was also critically acclaimed, earning her numerous awards and drawing over 800,000 spectators. Her enduring appeal and remarkable talent make her a perennial favorite among French cinema-goers.

Watch Isabelle Huppert in "Par cœurs" on TV5MONDEplus

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of the famous singer Serge Gainsbourg and actress Jane Birkin, has carved out her own niche in the film industry. She began her acting career at a young age and quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actress. Gainsbourg's ability to take on challenging roles has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Her performance in "Melancholia" (2011) was widely praised and contributed to the film's success. Another significant box office hit was "Samba" (2014), in which she starred alongside Omar Sy, drawing over 3.1 million spectators in France.

Watch Charlotte Gainsbourg in "Suzanna Adler" on TV5MONDEplus

Camille Cottin

Camille Cottin has rapidly become one of the most beloved actresses in French cinema. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the television series "Call My Agent!" (Dix pour cent), which showcased her comedic talent and charm. Her transition to film has been equally successful, with a series of box office hits.

Cottin's role in "Connasse, Princess of Hearts" (Connasse, Princesse des cœurs) was a major success, drawing over 1.2 million spectators in France. More recently, her performance in "The Mystery of Henri Pick" (Le Mystère Henri Pick) attracted a significant audience, further establishing her box office appeal.

Watch Camille Cottin in "Mon Légionnaire" on TV5MONDEplus

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard is an internationally acclaimed actress known for her versatility and captivating performances. She gained worldwide fame for her role as Édith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose" (La Môme), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Cotillard's talent and charisma have made her a box office draw both in France and abroad.

In France, her role in "The Immigrant" (2013) was well-received, drawing significant audiences. Another notable success was "Allied" (2016), which further showcased her ability to captivate viewers. Cotillard's performances in films like "Rust and Bone" (De rouille et d'os) and "Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit) have also drawn large audiences, solidifying her status as a box office giant.

Watch Marion Cotillard in Toi & Moi on TV5MONDEplus

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux has become one of the most prominent actresses in French cinema, known for her striking presence and exceptional acting skills. She gained international recognition for her role in "Blue Is the Warmest Color" (La Vie d'Adèle), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Seydoux's role in "Spectre" (2015), a James Bond film, brought her further international fame and showcased her ability to excel in both French and Hollywood productions. In France, her performance in "It’s Only the End of the World" (Juste la fin du monde) drew significant audiences, further establishing her as a box office favorite.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche is a celebrated actress with a career spanning several decades. She gained international fame with her role in "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" (1988) and has since appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films. Binoche's ability to convey deep emotion and complexity has made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

In France, her role in "The English Patient" (Le Patient anglais) was a significant box office success, drawing over 1 million spectators. Another notable film is "Clouds of Sils Maria" (2014), which was well-received both in France and internationally.

Watch Juliette Binoche in "Un Divan à New York" on TV5MONDEplus

Audrey Tautou

Audrey Tautou gained worldwide fame with her role in "Amélie" (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain), which became one of the most beloved French films of all time. Her charming and quirky portrayal of the titular character endeared her to audiences around the world.

In France, "Amélie" was a massive hit, drawing over 8.3 million spectators. Tautou's role in "The Da Vinci Code" (2006) brought her further international recognition. Another significant box office success was "Priceless" (Hors de prix), which drew over 2 million spectators in France and Coco Before Chanel (Coco avant channel). Although she recently took a hiatus, each of her film draws millions to the French box-office.

Alexandra Lamy

Alexandra Lamy is a versatile actress known for her work in both comedy and drama. She made a name for herself thanks to the television series "Un gars, une fille," where she starred alongside Jean Dujardin. Lamy's transition to film has been marked by a series of successful performances.

Her role in "Rolling to You" (Tout le monde debout) was a notable box office hit, drawing over 2.4 million spectators in France. Lamy's performance in "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life" (Le Premier Jour du Reste de Ta Vie) was also well-received, further establishing her as a box-office queen.

Watch Alexandra Lamy in "Vive la vie" on TV5MONDEplus

Maïwenn

Maïwenn is a multi-talented actress and director known for her powerful performances and bold filmmaking. She gained recognition for her role in "The Fifth Element" (Le Cinquième Élément) and has since established herself as a force in French cinema.

Her directorial work, such as "Polisse" (2011), was a significant success, drawing over 2.3 million spectators in France. Maïwenn's movie "My King" (Mon Roi) was also well-received, attracting large audiences. Her ability to excel both in front of and behind the camera makes her a unique and influential figure in French cinema.

Watch Maïwenn in Tralala on TV5MONDEplus

Leïla Bekhti & Géraldine Nakache

Leïla Bekhti and Géraldine Nakache are a dynamic duo who have collaborated on several successful films. Their chemistry and talent have made them a favorite among French audiences. They first gained recognition with their film "All That Glitters" (Tout ce qui brille), which they co-wrote and starred in.

"All That Glitters" was a significant box office hit, drawing over 1.3 million spectators in France. Their subsequent collaboration in "I’ll Go Where You Go" (J'irai où tu iras) was also well-received. Bekhti and Nakache’s ability to create engaging and relatable characters has made them a consistent box office draw.

Watch "I’ll Go Where You Go" (J'irai où tu iras) on TV5MONDEplus

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