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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1974
Jodie Foster
Critically acclaimed supporting role in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore marked her transition to serious film acting.
1980
1980
1980
1981
1981
1988
Isabelle Adjani
César-winning role in La Gifle (The Slap) brought her significant acclaim and launched film career.
1976
1976
1977
1978
1978
1978
Gérard Depardieu
Starring role in Les Valseuses (Going Places) made him a major new star in French cinema.
1976
1976
1976
1976
1980
1980
Steven Spielberg
Directed The Sugarland Express, his first theatrical feature film, winning Best Screenplay at Cannes.
1986
1986
1988
1989
1990
1992
Sylvia Kristel
This year marked her international breakthrough with the titular role in the French erotic film Emmanuelle. The film became a massive worldwide success, solidifying her status as an icon of erotic cinema and launching her to global fame.
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
1976
Charlotte Rampling
Iconic performance in The Night Porter solidified her as a significant European art-house star.
1968
1973
1974
1974
1975
1975
Patrick Dewaere
Co-starred in Les Valseuses (Going Places), achieving widespread recognition and stardom in France.
1975
1979
1979
1982
1982
1989
Talia Shire
Oscar-nominated for Connie Corleone in The Godfather Part II, establishing her as a serious dramatic actress.
1977
1977
1977
1979
2017
2021
Richard Pryor
Co-wrote highly successful Blazing Saddles, his first major film writing credit and notable screen presence.
1982
1982
1982
1983
1992
Valerie Perrine
Oscar-nominated for powerful portrayal of Honey Bruce in Lenny, a definitive breakthrough performance.
1975
1975
1975
Art Carney
Won Best Actor Oscar for Harry and Tonto, his first major film leading role after TV success.
1975
2014

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