Isabelle Huppert Receives the Prix Lumière at the 15th Anniversary of the Lumière Film Festival
In a grand celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the Lumière Film Festival, renowned actress Isabelle Huppert was honored with the prestigious Prix Lumière during a traditional awards ceremony held last night at the Amphithéâtre 3000 in the vibrant city of Lyon. The event was graced by luminaries from the film industry, including celebrated directors Alfonso Cuarón and Claire Denis, as well as actors Noémie Merlant, Anthony Delon, James Franco, and Emmanuelle Béart. The evening also featured a heartfelt performance by Julien Clerc, who serenaded the audience with his iconic song ‘Ma Préférence’ in tribute to Huppert.
As she took the stage to accept her award, Huppert expressed her deep appreciation for the honor. “I was told that the Lumière prize was special, but it’s much more than I could have imagined, and yet I have a lot of imagination,” she remarked, visibly moved by the recognition that is so closely tied to the legacy of cinema. She reflected on the importance of both the past and the future, ultimately emphasizing the significance of the present moment, described as “this joyous and wonderful moment full of emotion.”
Check out the video above for clips of the evening, along with reactions from some of the celebrities present at the award ceremony, which Euronews Culture had the privilege to interview.
Masterclass Insights with Isabelle Huppert
Before the awards ceremony, Huppert engaged in a rare masterclass, a unique opportunity as the actress is not particularly fond of publicly discussing her work and career. The conversation was facilitated by Lumière Film Festival director and Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux, with notable figures such as Claire Denis and François Ozon—who both directed Huppert in White Material and 8 Women—among the attentive audience. During this candid session, Huppert shared insights about her illustrious career, and here are ten enlightening takeaways from her masterclass:
- Cinephile? Huppert candidly revealed that before embarking on her acting journey, she had seen only a handful of films. “It’s still the case to this day. We didn’t go to the cinema that much back in the day. I’d need to come back to Lyon and the festival more often,” she quipped.
- Film Choices Throughout her career, Huppert has collaborated with some of the most esteemed filmmakers, including Bertrand Tavernier, Claire Denis, and Michael Haneke. “I don’t know if I know how to read scripts, but maybe I can recognize filmmakers, and that matters obviously in the choices we make,” she noted. Huppert explained that her selection process often hinges on powerful lines from scripts that resonate with her, citing a memorable quote from La Pianiste as an example.
- Restraint at All Costs Huppert’s on-screen presence is often characterized by emotional distance. “It may seem surprising, but when people think of acting, they might associate it with sentimentality. However, acting requires a certain coldness,” she stated. This approach, she believes, allows for a deeper exploration of character and emotion.
- Near Misses Huppert almost missed the chance to work with acclaimed director Michael Haneke. “We kept missing each other,” she recalled. After a series of near-collaborations, Huppert finally agreed to star in The Piano Teacher after Haneke issued an ultimatum, which she humorously accepted while in transit.
- The Perfect Soldier on Set? When asked about her demeanor on set, Huppert responded, “Yes, if the film goes according to plan.” She emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where conflicts can sometimes lead to creative breakthroughs.
- Self-Deprecation and Confessions Throughout the masterclass, Huppert displayed a humorous self-awareness about her body of work, mentioning several lesser-known films and their production challenges, including anecdotes about working with Robert Mitchum and Kris Kristofferson.
- On Misogyny Huppert acknowledged that misogyny is pervasive, stating, “It has never gotten in the way of my acting. I’ve learned to see it and recognize it.” This candid admission reflects her awareness of the broader societal issues that intersect with the film industry.
- Stairs, Not Lifts The actress spoke of her phobia of lifts, sharing, “I love being in hotels – it really isn’t the worst part of my profession! As long as I can access my room via stairs and not the lift.”
- On Her Favourite Books While Huppert is known for being private about her personal life, she playfully commented on the significance of literature in defining a person, saying, “Where’s the fun in that?”
- Did You Know? In a lighter moment, when a member of the audience inquired about her favorite flowers, Huppert simply replied, “Roses.” A charming tidbit that adds a personal touch to her public persona.
The Future of the Lumière Film Festival
As the festival continues to celebrate cinematic achievements and honor influential figures in film, the Lumière Film Festival will conclude its 2024 edition on October 20. Isabelle Huppert’s recognition with the Lumière Prize stands as a testament to her enduring impact on the world of cinema, and her reflections during the masterclass provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of the industry’s most respected talents.