Maïwenn: A Glimpse Into the Life of an Extraordinary French Actress and Director

6 min readMay 22, 2023

Maïwenn: A Glimpse Into the Life of an Extraordinary French Actress and Director

Biography of Maïwenn: A Journey Through her Life and Career

Early Life and Family Background

Maïwenn Le Besco, known professionally as Maïwenn, was born on April 17, 1976, in Les Lilas, France. She was born into an artistic family with her mother, Catherine Belkhodja, being a renowned actress and her father, Patrick Le Besco, an Algerian-born director and cinematographer. Maïwenn grew up with four siblings, all of whom are also involved in the world of film and theater.

Education

While Maïwenn attended local schools, she was mainly homeschooled due to her early acting commitments. Growing up in a family deeply ingrained in the film industry, her education was largely focused on cultivating her acting and directing abilities.

Early Career

Maïwenn made her acting debut at the tender age of five. However, her career really took off when she was cast in the French TV series “Laura et Jessie” at the age of 13. After her successful run in television, she transitioned into feature films, landing a memorable role in “Leon: The Professional”, where she played a young, Mozart-loving girl.

Success

Maïwenn’s breakthrough came with her semi-autobiographical film, “Polisse” (2011), which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The film, which she not only starred in but also directed and co-wrote, won the prestigious Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Personal Life

In her personal life, Maïwenn has been romantically linked with several notable figures in the film industry. She was in a relationship with director Luc Besson, with whom she has a daughter, Shanna. Later, she married French director and actor Jean-Yves Le Fur, with whom she shares a son.

Controversies

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there were no major public controversies involving Maïwenn.

Height, Weight, and Age

In 2023, Maïwenn is 47 years old. While her exact height and weight are not public information, she is known for her petite figure and timeless beauty.

Film List

Throughout her career, Maïwenn has been involved in several successful films, most notably “Leon: The Professional” (1994), “High Tension” (2003), and “Polisse” (2011).

Johnny Depp Returns to the Limelight as Louis XV in Maïwenn’s Newest Film Project

Acclaimed actor Johnny Depp is slated to step into the regal shoes of French king Louis XV in the forthcoming film helmed by the renowned French director, Maïwenn. Known for her cinematic triumphs like “Polisse” and “Mon Roi”, Maïwenn’s upcoming project is cloaked in intrigue, adding to the mounting anticipation.

Produced by the prominent Paris-based Why Not Productions, the film’s plot remains a guarded secret, keeping audiences and critics alike on their toes. Principal photography for the film will take place over three months, with the opulent Versailles Palace providing a grand backdrop.

Adding to the allure, Maïwenn herself will portray Jeanne du Barry, the last mistress of Louis XV. Louis XV, fondly remembered as “the beloved,” had the second-longest reign in French history, yet, paradoxically, he fell from grace due to allegations of corruption and debauchery.

The first snapshot of Johnny Depp in character has been revealed, marking his first return to the silver screen in three years and following his recent legal victory. The film serves as a potent reminder of his transformative acting prowess.

The plot, though under wraps, is loosely based on the life of Jeanne du Barry. Born into a humble background, Jeanne is a woman of humble origins who climbs the social ladder using her intellect and charm. She eventually becomes Louis XV’s favourite companion, and their love story is anything but traditional. Her arrival at Versailles rattles the royal court and challenges conventional etiquette.

Co-starring a lineup of esteemed French actors, Maïwenn’s latest venture is set to push the boundaries of historical dramas. Jeanne du Barry marks her sixth directorial endeavor, following her successful semi-autobiographical work, DNA, and the Cannes Jury Prize winner Polisse. Maïwenn’s contribution extends beyond directing, as she also co-authored the screenplay, promising a film infused with her distinctive storytelling style.

Philanthropy

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, specific details about Maïwenn’s philanthropic activities were not readily available.

Winning Award

Among her notable achievements is winning the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival for her film, “Polisse.”

Conclusion

From her early beginnings as a child actress to her remarkable work as an adult, Maïwenn has forged a successful career in the film industry, making a name for herself both in front of and behind the camera. Her ability to weave compelling narratives, coupled with her nuanced acting, has solidified her status as one of France’s most respected actresses and directors.

Quotes

- “I think that love and work… they’re bound together. They’re like a marriage.”

- “My movies are not about being, but becoming.”

FAQs

Q1: Who is Maïwenn?
A1: Maïwenn is a celebrated French actress and director. She is best known for her film “Polisse” which won the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Born into a family deeply involved in the film industry, she started her acting career at a young age and later branched into directing.

Q2: When was Maïwenn born?
A2: Maïwenn was born on April 17, 1976, in Les Lilas, France.

Q3: What are some of Maïwenn’s notable works?
A3: Some of Maïwenn’s most notable works include “Leon: The Professional” (1994), “High Tension” (2003), and her semi-autobiographical film “Polisse” (2011).

Q4: Has Maïwenn won any awards for her work in films?
A4: Yes, Maïwenn won the prestigious Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival for her film, “Polisse”.

Q5: What is Maïwenn’s full name?
A5: Maïwenn’s full name is Maïwenn Le Besco. However, she is professionally known by her first name, Maïwenn.

Q6: Who are some of the notable people Maïwenn has been in a relationship with?
A6: Maïwenn has been in a relationship with director Luc Besson, with whom she has a daughter, Shanna. She was also married to French director and actor Jean-Yves Le Fur, with whom she shares a son.

Q7: What is the title of Maïwenn’s next film?
The title of Maïwenn’s next film has not been officially released yet.

Q8: Who is starring in Maïwenn’s new film?
Johnny Depp will play the lead role of French King Louis XV in Maïwenn’s forthcoming film. Maïwenn herself will co-star as Jeanne du Barry, Louis XV’s last mistress.

Q9: When does filming for Maïwenn’s new film begin?
Filming for Maïwenn’s new film began in the summer of 2023.

Q10: Where is Maïwenn’s next film being shot?
Principal photography for the film will take place across notable Parisian landmarks, with a primary focus on the Versailles Palace.

Q11: What is known about the plot of Maïwenn’s new film?
While the exact plot is being kept under wraps, the film is freely inspired by the life of Jeanne du Barry, Louis XV’s last royal mistress at the Court of Versaille. The story will explore her ascension from poverty to the royal court, and her tumultuous love story with Louis XV.

Q12: Is this Johnny Depp’s first film role in recent years?
Yes, this marks Johnny Depp’s first feature film role in three years.

Q13: What awards has Maïwenn won?
Among other accolades, Maïwenn won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011 for her film “Polisse”, and her film “My King” earned Emmanuelle Bercot the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2015.