Justine Triet became the first female French filmmaker to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2024. Her trajectory spans from documenting grassroots youth protests in the mid-2000s to commanding the international stage at the Cannes Film Festival. She operates as a screenwriter, director, and editor, consistently challenging the cultural landscape through her cinematic output.
Early Work and Documentary Roots
Born in Fécamp in 1978, Triet studied at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Her career began with documentary short films focused on social justice and political commentary. Her 2007 debut, Sur Place, captured youth protests in France, while L’Orde des mots explored sexual identity. Her 2009 documentary, Solférino, covered the French presidential election, and her 2010 work, Des ombres dans la maison, examined domestic life under the weight of alcoholism.
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Triet shifted toward narrative filmmaking in 2012 with her short film, Two Ships, which won numerous awards on the festival circuit. Her feature debut, Age of Panic (2013), was presented at the Cannes Film Festival. She followed this with the romantic comedy-drama In Bed with Victoria in 2016 and the drama Sibyl in 2019, which competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
Anatomy of a Fall and Global Recognition
The 2023 courtroom thriller Anatomy of a Fall brought Triet international acclaim. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, making her the third woman to receive the honor. In 2024, she secured the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a BAFTA Award, and multiple César Awards, including Best Director. She was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, a milestone for a French filmmaker.
Political Engagement and Industry Membership
Triet is a member of the Collectif 50/50, an organization advocating for gender equality in the film industry. During her 2023 Palme d'Or acceptance speech, she criticized the French government's response to pension reform protests and its approach to cultural commercialization. In 2024, she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Fécamp, France
- Education: Beaux-Arts de Paris
- Notable Win: Palme d'Or (2023)
- Academy Award: Best Original Screenplay (2024)
- Member of: Collectif 50/50
- Awarded: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2018)
Questions readers ask
What was Justine Triet's directorial feature debut?
Her narrative directorial debut was the 2013 film Age of Panic.
Has Justine Triet collaborated with her partner, Arthur Harari?
Yes, they have collaborated on projects such as Age of Panic and the screenplay for Anatomy of a Fall, though they do not plan to work together in the future.
Achievements
- Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay — 2023
- BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay — 2024
- César Award for Best Director — 2024
- César Award for Best Original Screenplay or Adaptation — 2024
- Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay — 2024
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and film producer
