Jodie Foster Returns to French Cinema With Cannes-Premiered Lead Role

Jodie Foster has overcome a long-held fear of acting in French-language films, despite being fluent in the language, to star in the French thriller 'Vie Privée' (A Private Life), which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation. Foster admitted that she was previously hesitant to accept French roles because she felt someone more familiar with the language should take them, but this film marked her first major French-speaking lead role in two decades since 'A Very Long Engagement.' She explained that acting in French changes her persona, making her less confident and giving her a higher voice, which creates a new character dynamic. Foster, who attended a French-language prep school, highlighted the challenge of learning all the dialogue but expressed that the experience allowed her to explore new facets of her craft. At Cannes, she also distinguished the instincts of acting from directing, emphasizing that actors live in the moment while directors focus on the big picture. Foster’s role in 'Vie Privée' represents a significant personal and professional milestone, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and director.