The illustrious French actress who has starred in captivating films like 'Elle' and '8 Women' will be feted at the esteemed 16th Lumière Festival, a celebration of cinematic excellence, taking place in the vibrant city of Lyon in October. This year's honor is none other than the legendary Isabelle Huppert, who will be awarded the prestigious Lumière Award for her indelible contribution to the world of cinema.
"Her illustrious career spans a vast chapter in the history of contemporary cinema," exclaimed the Institut Lumière, the governing body overseeing this annual film extravaganza. From her roles in 'Elle', '8 Women', and 'The Piano Teacher', Huppert has collaborated with some of France's finest directors, including Claude Chabrol, Claire Denis, François Ozon, and Bertrand Tavernier, while also making her mark with international filmmakers like Michael Haneke, Paul Verhoeven, and Hong Sang-soo. Her American film credits include Michael Cimino's epic 'Heaven's Gate' (1980), David O. Russell's quirky 'I Heart Huckabees' (2004), and Ira Sachs' thought-provoking 'Frankie' (2019).
Huppert's Lumière Award will join an illustrious collection of accolades, including two Cannes Best Actress awards for her performances in 'Violette Noziere' (1978) and 'The Piano Teacher' (2001), two Venice Volpi Cup awards for Best Actress in 'A Story of Women' (1988) and 'La Cérémonie' (1995), and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal in Verhoeven's 'Elle'. The French actress will also serve as the jury president at this year's Venice Film Festival.
In every role she embodies, whether it's a comedic turn, a thrilling adventure, or a profound art-house drama, Huppert transforms each character into a "singular enigma," as noted by the Institut Lumière, enriching them with her authenticity and irony. The 16th edition of the Lumière Film Festival, under the stewardship of Cannes Film Festival delegate general Thierry Frémaux, who also directs the Institut Lumière, will run from October 12 to 20, promising a cinematic extravaganza that will honor the incomparable Isabelle Huppert.
