Award

Favourite French actor and actress: The verdict

By Joffre Agnes
10/12/2008

Do you remember? A few weeks ago we decided to compile a list of  some of the most promising and internationally popular French actors and actresses, and asked you to name your favourite ones.

The contenders were... Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Cassel, Guillaume Canet and Mathieu Kassovitz as far as male are concerned; Ludivine Sagnier, Audrey Tautou, Marion Cotillard, Virginie Ledoyen and Marie Gillain as far as female are concerned. The choice was difficult, however you made it!

Here is your ranking:

Vincent Cassel

Vincent Cassel

42% Vincent Cassel

32% Guillaume Canet

19% Mathieu Amalric

6% Mathieu Kassovitz

It seems that we are not alone in having succumbed to Vincent Cassel's deep blue eyes! He got a staggering 42% of the votes! Not that surprising really when you examine his credentials: a brilliant actor  (his latest film Mesrine should soon be released in the UK: the two episodes are regarded as the best performance of his life... Not to be missed!), a highly praised director, and long time lover of Monica Belluci- if he's good enough for her, who are we to refuse?

He was, however, also closely followed by Guillaume Canet, who is definitely playing in the big league now with 32% of your votes. But don't you think that Mathieu Amalric deserves better than 19%? Remember his performance in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" or more recently in "A Christmas Tale". And what about Mathieu Kassovitz? Don't forget him just because he is behind the camera!

Find out more about them

Audrey Tautou

Audrey Tautou

45% Audrey Tautou

26% Marion Cotillard

13% Marie Gillain

10% Ludivine Sagnier

6% Virginie Ledoyen 

Such a large majority for Audrey Tautou! It seems that the 'Little Sparrow' is not yet about to overshadow Amélie Poulain. Even if Marion Cotillard earned an Oscar last year, Audrey Tautou stays the favourite abroad. She will soon embody Coco Chanel on screen. I just can't wait to see it. Marion Cotillard may have come second, but she is certainly not short of amazing projects of her own : We will see her soon alongside Johnny Depp in “Public Enemies” as well as opposite Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Sophia Loren in the dramatic musical “Nine”, by Rob Marshall. Will this be enough to bump her up to number one next year? Maybe... Lastly, I'm quite surprised that English people are not more seduced by Virginie Ledoyen after the success of "Mes Amis, mes Amours". Maybe it's just a matter of time before she charms you Brits (though my boyfriend is already much seduced) as much as she has her numerous French fans. As far as Ludivine Sagnier and Marie Gillain are concerned, they are undoubtebly two of France's most talented actresses but since they are more focused on French cinema, and therefore less known on this side of the channel, it's no surprise they didn't notch up a better score!

Find out more about them 

Thank you for voting! We are going to organise a larger vote soon, so... stay online and keep on supporting your favourite one!