Charlotte Gainsbourg

Charlotte Gainsbourg was born in London, England, in 1971, the daughter of English singer and actress Jane Birkin and French songwriter, singer, and actor Serge Gainsbourg. She was raised in Paris and made her acting debut in 1984 in “Paroles et Musique.” In 1986, she received a César Award for “Most Promising Actress” for her role in “An Impudent Girl.” Her early career also included collaborations with her father, notably on the controversial song “Lemon Incest” and the film “Charlotte for Ever,” both released in 1986. Her English-speaking debut came in 1993 with “The Cement Garden,” directed by her uncle, Andrew Birkin.

Gainsbourg continued to build a significant film career, earning a César Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for “The Log.” She took on diverse roles, starring in films like “Jane Eyre” (1996), “21 Grams” (2003), and “The Science of Sleep” (2006). A turning point in her acting career occurred in 2009 when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Lars von Trier’s “Antichrist.” She further collaborated with von Trier in “Melancholia” (2011) and played the title role in “Nymphomaniac” (2013). Her film career includes appearances in “Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016) and “The Snowman” (2017).

Beyond acting, Gainsbourg has a notable music career. After her debut album “Charlotte for Ever” (1986), she took a hiatus from music, releasing her second album, “5:55,” in 2006 to critical and commercial success, reaching platinum status in France. She continued with “IRM” (2009), produced by Beck, which was influenced by a head injury she experienced. Her later albums, “Stage Whisper” (2011) and “Rest” (2017), showcased her continued artistic development, with “Rest” specifically exploring themes of grief. Gainsbourg also explores writing and directing, notably with “Jane by Charlotte” (2021).