His career made him an international star, an iconic figure of 20th-century French cinema. Jean-Paul Belmondo is at the heart of a major retrospective exhibition, presented at the Cinémathèque Française from October 7, 2026 to January 31, 2027. The exhibition Belmondo, the Magnificent brings together clips from his films, posters and photographs that illustrate the prolific career of this irresistibly witty actor.
Jean-Paul Belmondo was born in 1933 in Neuilly-sur-Seine into a family of artists. A rebellious but accomplished athlete, he discovers his passion for theater in his teens. At the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, he meets Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Guy Bedos, Bruno Cremer, Pierre Vernier... After a few roles on stage and screen, he achieves a major breakthrough in Breathless, the film by Jean-Luc Godard. He then goes on to star in a string of films, sharing the bill with big stars of his era, such as Jean Gabin, Lino Ventura, Catherine Deneuve...
All told, Jean-Paul Belmondo appeared in more than 80 films. He was the rugged hero, often cheeky and impetuous, or a dark anti-hero. He frequently preferred to perform his own stunts, pushing the boundaries of his craft as an artist and athlete. Some of his films have become classics of French cinema, such as Le Magnifique, L'Homme de Rio, Peur sur la ville, L'As des as... Jean-Paul Belmondo also received numerous awards, underscoring his popularity in France and abroad.
The Cinémathèque française is set to spotlight this essential figure of French cinema in a retrospective exhibition slated for autumn 2026.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 7, 2026 to January 31, 2027
Location
Cinémathèque Française
51 Rue de Bercy
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro Bercy (lines 6 and 14)
Official website
www.cinematheque.fr
