Laure Calamy has become one of the most interesting figures in contemporary French cinema. Best known to international audiences as Noémie, the lively assistant in Call My Agent (Dix pour cent), she has built a career that bridges television and independent film with ease.

Today, Calamy is recognized as a leading French actress, especially in roles that blend humor, vulnerability, and social commentary. For anyone wanting to explore her work, TV5MONDE and TV5MONDEplus are the essential places to stream the best of new French and francophone cinema.

Early Career: From Theater to Talent Agency Chaos

Born in Orléans, France, Laure Calamy studied acting at the prestigious Conservatoire national supérieur d’art dramatique in Paris. Like many French actors, she began her career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Her breakthrough came with the hit series Call My Agent (Dix pour cent), where she portrayed Noémie, the somewhat chaotic but endearing assistant at a Parisian talent agency.

Calamy’s portrayal of Noémie quickly became a fan favorite. Her mix of comedic timing and emotional depth added dimension to a character who could easily have been a simple stereotype. The role opened doors for more substantial parts in French film, especially in stories where everyday struggles are brought to life with humor and nuance.

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Indie Films and Major Recognition

Laure Calamy's move into independent cinema has been deliberate and successful. Her performance in Antoinette dans les Cévennes (My Donkey, My Lover & I) was a turning point. In this light-hearted yet touching film, she plays Antoinette, a Parisian schoolteacher whose romantic misadventures lead her to trek across the Cévennes mountains with a donkey. The role earned her the César Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status among France’s top talents.

In Antoinette dans les Cévennes, Calamy delivers a nuanced performance that captures both the absurdity and the sincerity of her character’s emotional journey. It’s a perfect example of how she brings depth to roles that might seem simple at first glance.

Laure Calamy in Annie colère and Les Cyclades

Beyond her César-winning performance, Calamy has continued to choose projects that reflect social issues and contemporary themes. In Annie colère (2022), she stars as Annie, a factory worker who becomes involved in a women’s rights collective fighting for access to safe abortions in 1970s France. Directed by Blandine Lenoir, the film is both political and deeply personal, showing how ordinary citizens became activists during a crucial time in French history. Calamy brings warmth, determination, and relatability to Annie, making the film both moving and accessible.

Annie colère is available to stream on TV5MONDEplus, making it easy for audiences worldwide to discover this important piece of political cinema.

In a lighter vein, Calamy stars in Les Cyclades, a comedy about two childhood friends, Magalie (Calamy) and Blandine (played by Olivia Côte), who reunite for a holiday in Greece. Their friendship is tested by old grudges, differing personalities, and unexpected adventures. Les Cyclades captures Calamy’s comedic side, but also her ability to portray the complexities of adult relationships. Once again, the film is available to stream on TV5MONDEplus, a true destination for discovering the best new French films.

A French Actress with an International Appeal

While Laure Calamy’s career is firmly rooted in French cinema, her trajectory bears similarities to that of American actress Greta Gerwig before her shift to directing. Like Gerwig, Calamy excels in portraying slightly offbeat, deeply human characters in indie productions that blend humor with real emotional stakes. Both actresses built their reputations outside the Hollywood mainstream or blockbuster system, choosing instead stories that prioritize character over spectacle.

Not Limited to Comedy

Although she is often celebrated for her comedic work, Calamy has demonstrated remarkable range. In Only the Animals (Seules les bêtes), she plays a farmer’s wife whose secrets set off a dark chain of events. In Full Time (À plein temps), her portrayal of a struggling single mother showcases her intensity and versatility. The film was featured in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival and further established her as an actress who can lead a high-stakes drama with conviction.

Laure Calamy and the Future of French Cinema

As French cinema evolves, Calamy stands out as part of a new generation of actresses redefining what it means to be a leading lady. She takes risks, often working with first-time directors and participating in projects with strong political or feminist messages. Her performances in films tackling issues such as homophobia (Annie colère) and economic precarity (Full Time) show that she chooses roles with substance.

In a film landscape often dominated by glamour and prestige, Laure Calamy’s grounded performances resonate with audiences looking for honesty and relatability. It’s no surprise that she is frequently mentioned alongside other celebrated names like Adèle Haenel and Virginie Efira in discussions about the future of French film.

TV5MONDE: The Home of New French Cinema

For fans of Laure Calamy and contemporary French cinema, TV5MONDE and its streaming service TV5MONDEplus are the best ways to stay up to date. From political films like Annie colère to heartwarming comedies like Les Cyclades, TV5MONDEplus offers a curated selection of the finest new releases from France and the wider francophone world.

Whether you're discovering Laure Calamy for the first time or following her latest projects, TV5MONDE is the ultimate destination to experience the richness and diversity of today's French cinema.