French Cinema
Brigitte Bardot dies at 91 in southern France
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French actress and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at her home in Saint-Tropez at the age of 91. Known for her roles in films like 'And God Created Woman' and 'Contempt,' she became an icon of post-war sensuality and later a prominent animal rights activist. French President Emmanuel Macron described her as a 'legend of the century' who embodied a life of freedom.
François Ozon's adaptation of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger' dominated the 31st Lumières Awards in Paris, securing best film, best actor, and best cinematography honors. Richard Linklater won best director for his French New Wave tribute 'Nouvelle Vague' at the ceremony held on January 18, 2026.
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While the global box office rose 12% to $33.5 billion in 2025, France bucked the trend with a 13.6% decline to 156.79 million admissions and an estimated $1.17 billion in revenue. Disney dominated the top spots with animated and blockbuster films, while local productions held a strong 37.7% market share. A late-year rebound offers hope for 2026 recovery.