“Thank you for the emotions and the memories, dear Jean-Paul. It was wonderful “. Roselyne Bachelot, Minister of Culture, allowed herself a nod to one of Bébel’s great films. Joining the unanimous homage of the world of culture in saluting the memory of Jean-Paul Belmondo, who died this Monday at the age of 88.
I am deeply moved to learn of the death of Jean-Paul Belmondo.
His talent, his charm, his tenderness and his jubilation when he played the comedy make him dear to our hearts of spectators.
Thank you for the emotions and the memories, dear Jean-Paul. It was wonderful. pic.twitter.com/tCJJsvk4YQ– Roselyne Bachelot (@R_Bachelot) September 6, 2021
An honorary Palme d’Or for his career in 2011
The Cannes and Venice Festivals also hailed the career of Jean-Paul Belmondo. “For the 2011 tribute, the photographers had warned:” We are going to put our cameras on the steps and it will be to applaud him “. His generosity as a man and an actor invented some of the greatest moments in the history of cinema. Thank you Jean-Paul. Farewell Magnificent ”, wrote on the Twitter account of the Cannes Film Festival, its general delegate Thierry Frémaux.
In 2011, Jean-Paul Belmondo received an honorary Palme d’Or for his entire career. In 2019, the Festival had once again honored him through the poster for its 71st edition, which featured a kiss from Pierrot le fou by Jean-Luc Godard with Anna Karina, cult New Wave film made in 1965.
“A fascinating face, an irresistible sympathy, an extraordinary versatility”
For its part, the Venice Film Festival, which takes place until Saturday, remembers, “with great affection and admiration of the actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, icon of French and international cinema, and the first extraordinary interpreter of the spirit. of modernity specific to the New Wave ”.
The director of the Mostra Alberto Barbera remembers “a fascinating face, an irresistible sympathy, an extraordinary versatility, which allowed him to interpret dramatic, adventurous and even comic roles, which made him a popular star. universally, both by author cinema and by entertainment cinema ”. In 2016, the Festival awarded him a Golden Lion of Honor for his entire career.
“His legendary banter and smile”
A lot of actresses, actors also welcomed this departure which moves many French people. Foremost among which is Jean Dujardin who posted a message on Instagram: “I will miss you… you will be missed so much. Thank you Jean-Paul »
Claudia Cardinale, who shared the screen with Bébel in The Wrong Path (1961) sent a press release to AFP explaining: “I am overwhelmed by the disappearance of Jean-Paul. It was and will remain for me as for so many others, the very image of vitality. It will never cease to be in motion in my heart and in my memory. He is a smile and a joy for life. Audacity and simplicity. I lived with him so many unforgettable happy moments. I am grateful to life for having put it in my way several times, the right way. My deepest affection goes to her loved ones and her children in particular. Addio Jean-Paul ”
Mireille Mathieu also spoke to AFP: “Jean-Paul Belmondo is a true legend of French cinema and theater. Huge actor and sacred monster who made our France shine with his legendary banter and smile throughout the world. It is our Ace des As, our Eiffel Tower of the 7th Art and a pillar of our cultural heritage ”.
“Today I am losing a lifelong friend, we are all losing a lifelong friend, regrets on Twitter Line Renaud. Bébel was the extraordinary hero of ordinary France and Jean-Paul a courageous and faithful man, deeply sincere. It was True !!!!! His most beautiful stunts will always remain the way he aimed at us right in the heart! “
Today I am losing a lifelong friend, we are all losing a lifelong friend. Bébel was the extraordinary hero of ordinary France and Jean-Paul a courageous and faithful man, deeply sincere. It was True !!!!! #Belmondo 1/2 pic.twitter.com/rUYEGbaXHg
– Line Renaud (@linerenaud) September 6, 2021
Christian Clavier was also moved by the disappearance of the icon. “Jean-Paul Belmondo will be sorely missed. He was a huge star, who dedicated his life to the public, a man of extreme kindness and countless and wonderful films: Cartouche, A monkey in winter, Man from Rio… Hats off to the artist! “
Jean Paul #Belmondo we will be sorely missed. He was a huge star, who dedicated his life to the public, a man of extreme kindness and countless and formidable films: Cartouche, A monkey in winter, Man from Rio … Hats off to the artist! pic.twitter.com/0ZzmYDenA9
– Christian Clavier (@Ch_Clavier) September 6, 2021
Tributes are also raining abroad. Thus the Spanish actor Antonio Banderas shared his sadness on Twitter. “It’s a sad day for culture. A great actor and an icon of French and European cinema has passed away. Rest in peace Jean-Paul #Belmondo #RIP #Bebel »
This is a sad day for culture. A great actor and an icon of French and European cinema has left us.
Rest in peace Jean-Paul #Belmondo#RIP #Bebel pic.twitter.com/UyGclvVOIA– Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) September 6, 2021