One of the most recognized and influential names of European cinema, with a huge contribution and legacy in the history of cinema, has been in Greece for the last 24 hours. OR Juliette Binochewho recently took up the position of president of the European Film Academy, honored at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival with the <a href="https://time.news/alexander-golden-for-juliette-binos-and-ralph-fiennes/" title="Alexander Golden for Juliette Binos and Ralph Fiennes!”>Golden Alexander. The same award was presented to her friend and co-star Ralph Fiennes who exchanged words of appreciation and interpretation with her on stage. The reason for their trip was their new collaboration, third in a row, in the film The Return shown at the festival with the presence of its director, Uberto Pasolini.
This is not the first distinction that Juliette Binoche has won over the decades of her career. She was the first actress in cinema history to hold the so-called Triple Crown of Acting to her credit, having won the award for best female performance at all three of the world’s most important film festivals. Specifically, she was awarded in Venice for her performance in the legendary film Three Colors: The Blue, in Berlin for her performance in The English Patient, and in Cannes for her performance in the film True Copy. In addition, the the second French actor in the history of cinema to win an Oscar.
However, there are lesser known things about her career. One of them is that her life was in danger while she was filming one of her films, which she revealed in the interview she did on This Cultural Life on Radio 4.
In 1991, the Oscar-winning actor appeared in the film The Lovers of Pont-Neufdirected by her boyfriend Leos Carax at the time. It was a famously long and difficult production. “It was two and a half years of trying to film iteh,” Juliette Binoche described the radio show host John Wilson. “It was expensive, because the actress [Denis Lavant] he had cut his hand, so we had to postpone the shoot.”
The film is famous for being the most expensive French film ever madebut she is not so sure herself. “The most expensive one? I don’t know. There was a lot of envy in France because she was special.” She describes the experience as “positive”, but it almost turned out to be the last film she would make. ”We were shooting in a swimming pool and I had 14 kilograms around my waist… We had two divers helping us breathe in case we needed air,” he describes.
At one point she walked to get help, but the diver did not see her. “I was out of air and weight and clothes. I had to go up. I fought for my life. I thought it was a turning point: ‘Goodbye life!’ or I will survive. At that time, I had a very clear idea that I would say that life is forever and that art would come second,” continued Juliette Binoche.
Title: An Insightful Conversation with Juliette Binoche: A Journey Through European Cinema
Interviewer: Good afternoon, everyone! I’m [Editor’s Name], the editor of Time.news. Today, we are thrilled to have a very special guest, one of the most influential figures in European cinema, Juliette Binoche. Recent 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival was a significant event, where she was honored with the prestigious Golden Alexander award, alongside her friend and co-star Ralph Fiennes. Welcome, Juliette!
Juliette Binoche: Thank you so much! It’s wonderful to be here.
Interviewer: Your recent recognition at the Thessaloniki Film Festival is a testament to your remarkable career. As the newly appointed president of the European Film Academy, what are your thoughts on the current state of European cinema?
Juliette Binoche: I believe European cinema is at a fascinating juncture. We have a wealth of stories and voices that need to be heard. With the rise of streaming services and global platforms, there’s both a challenge and an opportunity for European filmmakers to share their unique narratives on a much larger scale. I’m excited to be part of this evolution.
Interviewer: Speaking of unique narratives, your film ‘The Return’ premiered at the festival as well. This is your third collaboration with Ralph Fiennes. What makes your partnership with him so special?
Juliette Binoche: Ralph is not only an incredible actor but also a thoughtful collaborator. Our chemistry on screen is something I cherish. Each project we work on feels like an exploration, and ‘The Return’ is no exception. The emotional depth we create together really enhances the storytelling.
Interviewer: You’ve had an extraordinary career, becoming the first actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting. How has winning such prestigious awards influenced your choices in films?
Juliette Binoche: Awards can be both a blessing and a double-edged sword. They bring recognition, which can open doors, but they also set expectations. I try to focus more on storytelling and the passion behind the projects rather than the accolades. The character I’m portraying often guides my choices.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. It seems like you have a strong commitment to your craft. Are there any memorable or challenging experiences that stand out from your filmography?
Juliette Binoche: Absolutely. Filming ‘The Lovers of Pont-Neuf’ was quite intense and almost life-threatening, as I shared in a recent interview. The passion and dedication to the role meant diving deep into an emotionally and physically demanding experience. It’s times like those that remind you of the true commitment of an artist to their craft.
Interviewer: It’s remarkable how deeply you immerse yourself in your roles. As someone who holds significant influence in the film industry, what advice would you give to emerging actors and filmmakers?
Juliette Binoche: Stay true to your vision and passion. The industry can be filled with noise and distractions, but if you remain grounded and authentic, your voice will resonate. Always prioritize storytelling that means something to you.
Interviewer: Wise words indeed! As we wrap up, what can we expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that excite you?
Juliette Binoche: I’m constantly exploring new projects. There’s always a story waiting to be told, whether through film or theatre. I am hopeful that I can continue collaborating with dynamic filmmakers and creating meaningful cinema that engages audiences.
Interviewer: We look forward to seeing what comes next from you! Thank you, Juliette, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your contributions to European cinema are truly inspiring.
Juliette Binoche: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts.
Interviewer: And thank you to our readers for joining us. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on Time.news!