For some French actresses, France is just enough. And the dream of Hollywood fame is too appealing! From iconic performances by Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche to more unknown roles by Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot, many French actresses have appeared in Hollywood productions. So let's explore some of the finest American films featuring French actresses, showcasing their versatility and undeniable talent.

Marion Cotillard in Inception (2010) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Marion Cotillard, an Oscar-winning French actress known for her emotionally rich performances, made a striking impression in Hollywood with her roles in Christopher Nolan’s Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. In Inception, she played Mal, the haunting projection of Leonardo DiCaprio’s subconscious, delivering a performance that was both mesmerizing and tragic. Her role as Miranda Tate in The Dark Knight Rises further cemented her Hollywood success, proving her ability to adapt to blockbuster productions, far from the Cannes Film Festival. She was also featured in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.

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Juliette Binoche in The English Patient (1996) and Chocolat (2000)

Juliette Binoche has had a significant presence in American cinema, most notably in The English Patient, for which she won an Oscar, and Chocolat, where she starred alongside Johnny Depp. Her performances in these films showcased her ability to bring nuance and warmth to Hollywood dramas, making her one of the most respected French actresses in the industry.

Stream now Juliette Binoche in the French-American film Un Divan à New York

Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger (1983)

Catherine Deneuve, one of the most celebrated French actresses, starred in The Hunger, a stylish horror film directed by Tony Scott. Playing a seductive vampire opposite David Bowie and Susan Sarandon, Deneuve delivered a performance that blended elegance with an eerie sense of danger.

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Brigitte Bardot in Shalako (1968)

Brigitte Bardot, the epitome of French glamour, made a rare appearance in an American Western, Shalako, alongside Sean Connery. Although she preferred working in French cinema, she never regretted testing out a Hollywood production.

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Isabelle Huppert in Heaven's Gate (1980) and Greta (2018)

Isabelle Huppert, known for her fearless performances, took on a role in Michael Cimino’s controversial epic Heaven’s Gate. Though the film was initially a box-office disaster, Huppert’s performance was praised. Decades later, she returned to American cinema with Greta, where she played a chilling antagonist opposite Chloë Grace Moretz.

Head to TV5MONDEplus to watch Isabelle Huppert in the French film Sans Queue ni tête

Jeanne Moreau in The Last Tycoon (1976) and Ever After (1998)

Jeanne Moreau, a legend of French cinema, appeared in The Last Tycoon, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Later, she played the role of the Grand Dame in Ever After, a reimagining of the Cinderella story, showcasing her ability to bring gravitas to any film.

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Eva Green in Casino Royale (2006) and Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)

Eva Green gained international fame with her role as Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, bringing intelligence and mystery to the James Bond franchise. She later wowed audiences in the gothic horror series Penny Dreadful, proving her range in both film and television.

Nathalie Baye in Catch Me If You Can (2002)

In Catch Me If You Can, Nathalie Baye played the mother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, offering a touching and understated performance in the Steven Spielberg-directed film.

Stream Nathalie Baye in the French drama Les bureaux de Dieu

Isabelle Adjani in Ishtar (1987)

Isabelle Adjani, a five-time César Award winner, starred in Ishtar, a film that became infamous for its troubled production. Despite the movie’s critical failure, Adjani’s performance stood out, showcasing her ability to shine even in challenging projects.

Audrey Tautou in The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Following her international success in Amélie, Audrey Tautou starred alongside Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code. Her role as Sophie Neveu brought a touch of European sophistication to the Hollywood blockbuster, making her a recognizable figure in American cinema. After making a few more Hollywood productions, she decided to focus on her career in France, as she also looked to step-away from fame and papparazzi.

Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Bastards), Carole Bouquet (For Your Eyes Only), Emmanuelle Béart (Mission Impossible), Sophie Marceau (Tomorrow Never Dies) are some of the other French actresses  who made they way to Hollywood, while continuing to be the face of cinema in France.

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