Stéphane Audran

Biography

Stéphane Audran, born Colette Suzanne Jeannine Dacheville on November 8, 1932, in France, was a distinguished actress known for her compelling portrayals in both film and television. Audran gained widespread recognition through her roles in celebrated films such as the Academy Award-winning *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* (1972) and *Babette's Feast* (1987), as well as in notable works like *The Big Red One* (1980) and *Violette Nozière* (1978). She often embodied the character of the sophisticated bourgeois woman, a testament to her remarkable acting range.

Audran's career took off with her major role in Claude Chabrol's *Les Cousins* (1959), marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with the director. She starred in several of Chabrol's films, including *Les Bonnes Femmes* (1960), *La Femme Infidèle* (1968), and *Le Boucher* (1970). Her performance in *Les Biches* (1968) earned her the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival.

In addition to her work with Chabrol, Audran showcased her talent in films by other notable directors, including Éric Rohmer, Gabriel Axel, and Luis Buñuel. Her accolades include a César Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Violette Nozière* and a British Film Academy award for *Just Before Nightfall* (1975). Audran's legacy is reflected not only in her impressive filmography but also in the profound impact she made on French cinema before her passing on March 27, 2018.