Yesterday, French film icon Gérard Depardieu was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film The Green Shutters—a ruling that could send shockwaves through France's film industry.
The timing felt almost cinematic itself: as the prestigious Cannes Film Festival opened its doors, news broke that one of France’s most revered actors had been found guilty of groping two actresses while making vulgar remarks during filming.
“The giants of cinema are no longer untouchable,” declared one French media outlet. Another reported that the verdict had “shaken up” the opening of the world-renowned festival—where I’m currently reporting. The ruling marks a pivotal moment for an industry long criticized for turning a blind eye to abuse by powerful figures.
On the festival's opening day, Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche declared that Depardieu was "no longer sacred" (Credit: Getty Images).
French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu was found guilty yesterday of sexually assaulting two women on a film set — a verdict that could mark a turning point for the country's film industry.
The timing felt almost scripted. On the same day the Cannes Film Festival — the world’s most prestigious celebration of cinema — opened its doors, news broke that one of France’s most revered actors had been convicted of groping two women while making obscene remarks during the filming of The Green Shutters in 2021.
“This is a seismic change,” declared one French news site, adding that the ruling had “shaken” the opening of the festival. Reporting from Cannes, it’s clear the atmosphere has been jolted.
Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche captured the mood bluntly: “Depardieu is no longer sacred.”
At 76, Depardieu is a veteran of nearly 200 films and television productions. He rose to fame in the late 1960s and became internationally known through roles in Jean de Florette (1986), an Oscar-nominated turn in Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), and the Hollywood rom-com Green Card.
The court sentenced him to an 18-month suspended prison term, imposed a €29,000 (£24,430) fine, and placed him on France’s sex offenders register. His lawyer has announced plans to appeal.
While around 20 women have previously come forward with accusations against Depardieu, this is the first case to go to trial. Commentator Agnès C. Poirier tells the BBC that the verdict carries deep cultural weight: “When a monument falls, it is always powerful and symbolic.”
Poirier adds that while Depardieu’s legacy as a performer may endure, his career is effectively over. “His reputation is profoundly tarnished. The French film industry sentenced him long ago — he hasn’t shot a film in three years. He remains one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, but we may feel very differently watching his films now.”
The Mood at Cannes
For years, Gérard Depardieu’s larger-than-life presence has been closely tied to the Cannes Film Festival. He won the Best Actor award here for Cyrano de Bergerac, helping propel the film toward its Oscar success. Behind the scenes, he also held influence—festival director Thierry Frémaux once admitted that United Passions, a widely criticized 2014 football film starring Depardieu, was screened at Cannes due to pressure from the actor.
Depardieu’s last notable appearance at the festival was in 2015, when he attended alongside Isabelle Huppert to promote Valley of Love—memorably staging a mock kiss during the photocall.
