Hollywood Flashback: When Cannes First Fell in Love With Juliette Binoche

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Prior to becoming president of the Cannes jury, Juliette Binoche‘s acting career had its start at the prestigious international film festival.

Four decades ago, French filmmaker André Téchiné’s movie “Rendez-Vous,” set in Paris, was first shown here. In this film, Binoche played a young actress who got embroiled in relationships with three different men, all while pursuing her ambition to succeed in the movie industry.

The review by THR of the romantic drama praised Binoche’s performance, stating it was “multi-layered” and not just a one-dimensional portrayal. They highlighted that despite her sex-kitten character, Binoche exuded a power that went beyond typical expectations: “She is a fresh talent with an allure similar to Charlotte Rampling or Dominique Sanda.”

The review in THR for the romantic drama singled out Binoche’s performance as being “multifaceted” and not just a stereotypical role. They pointed out that her sex-kitten character belied an underlying power, transcending typical portrayals: “She is a promising newcomer with an appeal comparable to Charlotte Rampling or Dominique Sanda.

The movie served as a springboard for her acting career, as she herself put it, “I made my debut at the Festival de Cannes.” Following this, Binoche garnered an Academy Award for her supporting role in 1996’s “The English Patient” and has graced the festival with her presence ten times. In 2010, she was awarded best actress for her performance in Abbas Kiarostami’s film “Certified Copy.”

At the time of being announced as jury president, Binoche reminisced, “In 1985, I ascended the steps of the [Palais] for the first time with the excitement and apprehension of a young actress. I never imagined I’d be back after forty years in the prestigious role of jury president.

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2025-05-14 14:24