PARIS – Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for her role as Edith Piaf in “La Vie en Rose,” and Guillaume Canet, a celebrated actor and director, have announced their separation. After an 18-year partnership and having two children, the duo has decided to end their relationship, marking the conclusion of a notable French cinema powerhouse.
Cotillard, who rose to international stardom with her Academy Award win in 2008, is recognized globally as one of France’s most prominent actors. Her prominent roles include starring alongside Brad Pitt in the World War II romantic thriller “Allied” and acting with Leonardo DiCaprio in the mind-bending film “Inception.” Canet, known for his multifaceted career as an actor, director, and screenwriter, shared screen space with DiCaprio in “The Beach.”
Both aged in their late 40s and early 50s, Cotillard and Canet first appeared together in the 2003 French-Belgian film “Love Me If You Dare.” The movie was a significant box-office success in France and marked a pivotal moment in Cotillard’s career. The couple started dating in 2007, a relationship that would endure over a decade, deeply entwined with their respective film endeavors.
The pair made their separation known through a statement released to a French news agency, emphasizing their desire to preempt any potential gossip or misinterpretations. Although the announcement did not detail the reasons for the split, it mentioned that the decision was reached by mutual agreement and with “common accord” and “mutual goodwill.”
Attempts to reach the agents representing Cotillard and Canet for further comments were unsuccessful, as there was no response to inquiries. The couple’s decision to separate, despite their strong public image and collaborative personal and professional lives, marks a significant moment for the fans of French cinema across the globe.