How Many French Actress Oscar Nominees Made History?

Last Updated on 7 February 2026 by frenchflicks

France has a long and storied history with cinema, and our actresses are no exception. And some even brought home the ultimate prize in acting: the Academy Award. Can you guess which French actresses won an Oscar?

If you guessed Audrey Tautou, Brigitte Bardot, Sophie Marceau or Léa Seydoux, you would be…wrong!

Here is the list of all French actresses who won an Oscar or were nominated for one.

French Oscar Winners:

Claudette Colbert for It Happened One Night (La Dame de cœur)

Born in Paris, Claudette Colbert was a force of nature in Hollywood’s Golden Age. This charming actress became the first French-born star to nab an Oscar for Best Actress in 1934 for her role in Frank Capra’s romantic comedy It Happened One Night.

Simone Signoret for Room at the Top (Les Chemins de la haute ville)

Though born in Germany, Simone Signoret was raised in Paris and embodied French grit and grace. Her unforgettable portrayal in the 1959 British film earned her the Best Actress Academy Award, a win that truly showcased her raw talent and compelling presence.

Juliette Binoche for The English Patient (Le Patient anglais)

Born in Paris, Juliette Binoche is known for her incredible versatility and captivating performances. She snagged the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1996 for her moving role in the epic romantic drama. The movie started her long career in Hollywood, from Godzilla to High Life.

Watch in the video below Juliette Binoche winning best Supporting Actress in 1996

Marion Cotillard for La Vie en Rose (La Môme)

Parisian native Marion Cotillard made history when she won the Best Actress Oscar in 2008 for her breathtaking transformation into Édith Piaf in Olivier Dahan’s film. This win was a huge moment, as she became the first actress to win an Academy Award for a performance entirely in French. Cotillard’s dedication to embodying the iconic French singer Piaf was truly mesmerizing, earning her not just the Oscar but also a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and a César Award for the same role.

Watch in the video below Marion Cotillard’s Oscars’ speech

French Oscar Nominees: Almost There, Still Golden

Even without the statue, these actresses received the highest recognition from the Academy.

Claudette Colbert for Private Worlds, (Cœurs brisés) & Since You Went Away (Depuis ton départ)

Beyond her win, Claudette Colbert received further Academy Award nominations for Private Worlds (1935) and Since You Went Away (1944), demonstrating her enduring talent.

Leslie Caron for Lili, Lili and The L-Shaped Room, (La Chambre en L)

Born in Boulogne-Billancourt, Leslie Caron danced her way into our hearts and onto the Oscar stage. She received Best Actress Academy Award nominations for her enchanting roles in Lili (1953) and The L-Shaped Room (1963).

Simone Signoret for Ship of Fools (La Nef des fous)

After her win, Simone Signoret received another Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Ship of Fools (1965).

Anouk Aimée for A Man and a Woman (Un homme et une femme)

This Parisian actress, born Françoise Sorya Dreyfus, captured hearts and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her iconic performance in Claude Lelouch’s A Man and a Woman (1966).

Isabelle Adjani for The Story of Adele H. (L’Histoire d’Adèle H.; Camille Claudel, Camille Claudel)

Isabelle Adjani is an acting powerhouse and a five-time César Award winner for Best Actress – a record! She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress: first for her intense role in The Story of Adele H. (1975) and then for her powerful performance in Camille Claudel (1989).

Marie-Christine Barrault for Cousin, Cousine

Another Parisian native, Marie-Christine Barrault charmed audiences worldwide, earning herself a Best Actress Oscar nomination for the delightful French comedy-drama Cousin, Cousine (1976).

Catherine Deneuve (Indochine, Indochine)

The legendary Catherine Deneuve graced the Academy Award nominations for Best Actress with her regal performance in Indochine (1992), which won Best Foreign Film at the ceremony, and remains the last French movie to win that category.

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Juliette Binoche for Chocolat (Le Chocolat)

After her supporting win, Juliette Binoche received a Best Actress nomination for her charming performance in Chocolat (2000), further cementing her reputation as one of France’s finest cinematic exports.

Marion Cotillard for Two Days, One Night (Deux jours, une nuit)

Cotillard continued to impress the Academy, receiving another Best Actress nomination in 2014 for her compelling work in the Dardenne brothers’ film Two Days, One Night.

Emmanuelle Riva for Amour

Born in Cheniménil, Emmanuelle Riva delivered a haunting and deeply moving performance in Michael Haneke’s Amour (2012), earning her a Best Actress Oscar nomination at the age of 85.

Isabelle Huppert for Elle

Parisian Isabelle Huppert is an internationally celebrated French actress known for her daring and often complex roles. She received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her chilling and captivating performance in Paul Verhoeven’s thriller Elle (2016).

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