Isabelle Huppert Celebrated by Alfonso Cuaron at Lumiere Festival

Reflecting the breadth of her legacy across different continents, French actor Isabelle Huppert was celebrated by the likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Claire Denis, Alejandro Jodorowsky and François Ozon at the 15th edition of the Lumiere Film Festival in Lyon where she received a sprawling career tribute on Oct. 18.

Huppert kicked off the festivities as she entered the 3000-seat auditorium dancing to the 1980’s disco beats of “Nuit de folie,” dressed in a shimmery champagne gown.

The joyful ceremony, emceed by Huppert’s longtime friend (and Cannes boss) Thierry Fremaux who runs the Lumiere Film Festival, was punctuated by live musical numbers ranging widely from Camelia Jordana’s singing a capella “I Will Survive,” to Julien Clerc performing his 1978 cult song “Ma Preference” by the piano, and French actor Sandrine Kiberlain playfully singing “Nuit de folie” which was said to be Huppert’s unexpected all-time favorite song.

The most vibrant homage of the evening was delivered by Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”) who has not yet directed Huppert but nevertheless read her a love letter that attributed his passion for French cinema to her.

“These films are politically engaged, and many more celebrate heritage with a sensuality unparalleled in world cinema. Above all, I believe it’s a focus on character development, intimacy, and the human experience with all this complexity and vulnerabilities that defines French cinema,” said Cuaron, who was accompanied on stage by actor Noemie Merlant (“Tár,” “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”) who translated his speech in French.

“And it’s here, I believe that the mystery lies. It is one that is impossible to fully grasp. And one of its greatest conjurers of these mysteries is Isabelle Huppert. For over 50 years, Isabelle Huppert has cast a spell on the screen, alluring us to explore realms we were to afraid to venture in. She has…