Julie Delpy, the talented French actress, has truly made a name for herself in the world of cinema. Starting out as a young ingenue, Julie Delpy gradually evolved into one of the most respected figures across the international film community. Born and raised in Paris, she grew up immersed in the arts—thanks to her acting family—which naturally paved the way for her early start in film. As a teenager, Julie Delpy landed her first notable role in Jean-Luc Godard’s “Detective” (1985), marking the beginning of what would become an impressive career.
From there, Julie Delpy continued building her reputation with roles in acclaimed French films such as “Beatrice” (1987) and “The Dark Night of the Soul” (1989). But it was her performance in “Europa, Europa” (1990) that brought her widespread international recognition. In that film, Julie Delpy portrayed a pro-Nazi German woman who finds herself falling for a Jewish man—a complex and emotionally charged role that showcased her depth as an actress.
As her star rose, Julie Delpy began transitioning into English-language projects. She starred alongside Sam Shepard in the French film “Voyager” (1991), which further highlighted her versatility. Soon after, she appeared in Roger Avary’s edgy thriller “Killing Zoe” (1993), and shared the screen in Disney’s lively adaptation “The Three Musketeers” (1993). Around the same time, Julie Delpy delivered powerful performances in Krzysztof Kieslowski’s celebrated “Three Colors” trilogy—“Blue” (1993), “White” (1994), and “Red” (1994)—solidifying her status as a serious and compelling actress on the global stage.
One of the defining moments in Julie Delpy’s career came with Richard Linklater’s romantic masterpiece “Before Sunrise” (1995). As Celine, a free-spirited young woman who shares a magical evening in Vienna with Ethan Hawke’s character, Jesse, Julie Delpy brought a rare authenticity and emotional intelligence to the role. Many fans and critics alike consider this her signature performance. Over the years, Julie Delpy balanced mainstream Hollywood films like “An American Werewolf in Paris” (1997) and the cult favorite “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999) with more nuanced international work such as “The Treat” (1998) and “Beginner’s Luck” (2001).
She also made a memorable appearance on the popular American TV series “ER” (NBC, 1994–2009), playing the love interest of Goran Visnjic’s character. Returning to collaborate with Linklater and Hawke, Julie Delpy appeared in the innovative animated film “Waking Life” (2001), further demonstrating her openness to experimental storytelling. This creative partnership led to the long-awaited sequel, “Before Sunset” (2004), which Julie Delpy co-wrote with Linklater and Hawke. The film, reuniting Celine and Jesse nine years later in Paris, earned them an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay—an achievement that underscored Julie Delpy’s talents not just as an actress, but as a gifted writer.
In fact, Julie Delpy had already begun exploring behind-the-camera roles. She made her directorial debut with “Looking for Jimmy” (2002), and went on to write and direct several well-received features. Her film “2 Days in Paris” (2007) was particularly praised, followed by the haunting historical drama “The Countess” (2009) and the dark comedy “Lolo” (2015). Each project allowed Julie Delpy to flex her creative muscles as both filmmaker and performer.
The journey of Celine and Jesse continued with “Before Midnight” (2013), another collaboration between Julie Delpy, Hawke, and Linklater. This time, the story delved into the complexities of a long-term relationship, earning the trio yet another Oscar nomination for their screenplay. It was clear that Julie Delpy wasn’t just portraying evolving characters—she was helping shape them with insight and emotional honesty.
Even as she focused on writing and directing, Julie Delpy remained active in front of the camera, appearing in films like “The Bachelors” (2017) and “Burning Shadows” (2018). She returned to full creative control with “My Zoe” (2019), a deeply personal project that she wrote, directed, and starred in—proving once again that Julie Delpy is a multifaceted force in modern cinema. Through every phase of her career, Julie Delpy has consistently pushed boundaries, challenged expectations, and left an indelible mark on the art of filmmaking.
When it comes to Julie Delpy’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is Three Colors: Red from 1994—it’s widely regarded as her highest rated movie. Over the years, critics and audiences alike have praised Julie Delpy’s performance in this emotionally rich and visually stunning drama. On the other hand, not every project has been met with the same acclaim. For instance, An American Werewolf in Paris, released in 1997, ended up being Julie Delpy’s lowest rated film. While it had its moments, it didn’t quite capture the magic or depth that fans had come to expect from her work. Still, Julie Delpy has built a diverse and impressive body of work, and even her less successful films are part of what makes her journey so interesting. Julie Delpy continues to be a respected figure in cinema, known for both her acting and directing talents.