Several French actresses have crossed over into Hollywood, earning prestigious accolades such as Golden Globe nominations. But was Audrey Tautou nominated for Amélie? Did Marion Cotillard win for La Vie en Rose? Let's take a look at all the French actresses—from Binoche and Adjani to Huppert and Deneuve—who were nominated, and explore the impact of these nominations on their careers.

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Watch the best French actresses on TV5MONDE

Many French actresses have had a career in Hollywood - Jeanne Moreau, Brigitte Bardot, Sophie Marceau and Audrey Tautou previously, Mélanie Laurent, Eva Green or Léa Seydoux today. But only a few of them were nominated at the Golden Globes, usually for a French movie, rather than a Hollywood blockbuster.

1. Simone Signoret – "Room at the Top" (1959)

Simone Signoret was the first French actress to make a significant mark on the international film scene. Her performance in "Room at the Top" (French: "Les Chemins de la Haute Ville") won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama. In this British film, Signoret played Alice Aisgill, a married older woman who embarks on a passionate affair with a young, ambitious man.

Signoret’s portrayal of Alice was both poignant and powerful, capturing the complexities of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage and seeking solace in a risky relationship. Her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and grace earned her acclaim, leading not only to a Golden Globe but also an Academy Award, making her the first French actress to win an Oscar. While "Room at the Top" did not launch Signoret’s career in Hollywood per se, it solidified her status as a formidable talent capable of captivating audiences beyond France.

Watch Simone Signoret in the classic French movie La Ronde, available on TV5MONDEplus

2. Anouk Aimée – "A Man and a Woman" (1966)

Anouk Aimée received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the French film "A Man and a Woman" (French: "Un Homme et une Femme"), directed by Claude Lelouch. In this romantic drama, Aimée played Anne Gauthier, a widow who meets a widower, Jean-Louis, at their children's boarding school. The film is a tender exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings.

Aimée’s performance was understated yet deeply affecting, capturing the nuanced emotions of a woman grieving her past while cautiously stepping towards a new future. Although she did not win the Golden Globe, her nomination brought international recognition. "A Man and a Woman" was a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. This success helped Aimée to gain more attention in Hollywood, though the French actress chose to continue working primarily in European cinema.

Watch Anouk Aimée in Les Dragueurs & Un soir, un train with Yves Montand, and in the documentary Anouk Aimée, la beauté du geste

3. Isabelle Adjani – "The Story of Adele H." (1975) and "Queen Margot" (1994)

Isabelle Adjani is one of the most acclaimed French actresses of her generation, with two Golden Globe nominations to her name, and many César Award nominations. Her first one came for her role in "The Story of Adele H." (French: "L’Histoire d’Adèle H."), directed by François Truffaut. Adjani played the real-life character of Adèle Hugo, the troubled daughter of the famous writer Victor Hugo. The film tells the story of Adèle’s unrequited love for a British officer, a passion that ultimately leads to her mental deterioration.

Adjani’s portrayal of Adèle was hauntingly beautiful, earning her widespread praise for capturing the character's intense emotions and descent into madness. Although she did not win the Golden Globe, the nomination helped establish her as a powerful acting talent. Adjani’s second Golden Globe nomination came for "Queen Margot" (French: "La Reine Margot"), in which she played the historical figure Marguerite de Valois, navigating the treacherous politics of 16th-century France. Despite many offers to move to Los Angeles, Adjani chose stay in Paris to maintain her career primarily in French cinema rather than transitioning to Hollywood.

4. Catherine Deneuve – "The April Fools" (1969)

Catherine Deneuve, often referred to as the “Ice Queen” of French cinema for her cool and enigmatic screen presence, received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in "The April Fools". This American romantic comedy, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, saw Deneuve star opposite Jack Lemmon. The film revolves around two married individuals who meet at a party and fall in love, prompting them to reconsider their unhappy marriages.

While the film itself received mixed reviews, Deneuve's nomination was a testament to her international appeal and acting prowess. Though she did not win the Golden Globe, the nomination helped bolster her already successful career in France and brought her greater recognition in the United States. Despite the opportunity to transition fully into Hollywood, Deneuve chose to continue working in French and European cinema, becoming one of France’s most beloved and respected actresses.

Stream two movies with Catherine Deneuve on TV5MONDEplus: Je veux voir and Naissance d'une étoile

5. Juliette Binoche – "The English Patient" (1996) and "Chocolat" (2000)

Juliette Binoche is another French actress who has enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic, earning two Golden Globe nominations. Her first nomination came for "The English Patient", in which she played Hana, a Canadian nurse tending to a critically burned man during World War II. Binoche’s performance was both tender and strong, capturing the resilience of a woman coping with the horrors of war. Her role earned her the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, as well as an Academy Award.

Binoche’s second Golden Globe nomination came for "Chocolat", a charming film in which she played Vianne Rocher, a chocolatier who opens a shop in a conservative French village. Binoche’s performance was warm and engaging, winning her further acclaim. "Chocolat" was a box office success and helped cement Binoche’s status as an international star. Her career in Hollywood flourished, with roles in both independent and mainstream films, though she continued to work extensively in European cinema.

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

6. Marion Cotillard – "La Vie en Rose" (2007), "Nine" (2009), and "Rust and Bone" (2012)

Marion Cotillard is one of the most successful French actresses in Hollywood, with multiple Golden Globe nominations. Her breakthrough role came in "La Vie en Rose" (French: "La Môme"), where she portrayed the iconic French singer Edith Piaf. Cotillard’s transformation into Piaf was nothing short of astonishing, capturing the singer’s physicality, voice, and emotional turmoil. Her performance won her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, a César Award, as well as the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Following her success with "La Vie en Rose", Marion Cotillard received another Golden Globe nomination for her role in the musical "Nine", alongside a star-studded cast including Daniel Day-Lewis and Penélope Cruz. While the film received mixed reviews, Cotillard’s performance was praised. She earned yet another Golden Globe nomination for "Rust and Bone" (French: "De rouille et d'os"), where she played a whale trainer who loses her legs in an accident. Marion Cotillard’s portrayal was raw and powerful. Her success opened many doors in Hollywood, and she has since appeared in numerous high-profile films such as The Dark Knight Rises by Christopher Nolan and Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen.

Watch Marion Cotillard in Toi & Moi on TV5MONDEplus

7. Emmanuelle Riva – "Amour" (2012)

Emmanuelle Riva received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in "Amour", directed by Michael Haneke. In this poignant film, Riva played Anne, an elderly woman who suffers a stroke, and her husband, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant, who struggles to care for her. Riva’s performance was deeply moving, capturing the vulnerability and dignity of a woman facing the end of her life.

At 85, Riva was the oldest nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and her Golden Globe nomination highlighted her exceptional talent. Although she did not win the Golden Globe, her performance in "Amour" was widely acclaimed, earning her numerous awards and solidifying her legacy as one of France’s greatest actresses.

Watch Emmanuel Riva in Y a t-il un Français dans la salle on TV5MONDEplus

8. Isabelle Huppert – "Elle" (2016)

Isabelle Huppert, known for her fearless choice of roles, received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in "Elle", directed by Paul Verhoeven. In this provocative thriller, Huppert played Michèle Leblanc, a successful businesswoman who seeks revenge after being assaulted in her home. Huppert’s performance was both complex and compelling, capturing the character’s strength, intelligence, and ambiguity.

Huppert won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. Her role in "Elle" received widespread acclaim and earned her an Academy Award nomination as well.

Watch Isabelle Huppert in "Par cœurs" on TV5MONDEplus

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