The 2017 film BPM (Beats per Minute) secured a sweep at the 43rd César Awards, claiming trophies for Best Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. This production, which also earned the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, cemented the status of its director, Robin Campillo, as a central figure in contemporary French cinema.
Early Training and Industry Entry
Born in Mohammedia in 1962, Robin Campillo holds French citizenship and received his formal training at the Institut des hautes études cinématographiques. His career spans multiple technical and creative roles, including screenwriter, film director, and film editor. He is an active member of the Collectif 50/50, an organization focused on promoting gender parity within the film industry.
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Campillo established a long-standing creative partnership with director Laurent Cantet. Their collaboration on the 2001 film Time Out earned a nomination for the European Film Award for Best Screenwriter. Later, their work on the 2008 production The Class resulted in a Palme d'Or at Cannes and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards. This project also earned them the César Award for Best Adaptation.
Directorial Debut and Feature Films
The 2004 production They Came Back marked his debut as a director, premiering at the 61st Venice International Film Festival. The material inspired television adaptations for both Canal+ and A&E. His second feature, Eastern Boys, premiered at the 70th Venice International Film Festival, where it secured the main prize in the Orizzonti section. Subsequent projects include Red Island, released in 2023, and the 2025 film Enzo, which Campillo directed following the death of Laurent Cantet. Enzo served as the opening film for the Directors' Fortnight section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Mohammedia
- Citizenship: France
- Primary Roles: Director, screenwriter, film editor
- Education: Institut des hautes études cinématographiques
- 2018 César Award for Best Film winner
- Member of: Collectif 50/50
Questions readers ask
What is Robin Campillo best known for?
He is primarily known for directing and writing BPM (Beats per Minute), which won the Grand Prix at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and multiple César Awards.
Did Robin Campillo take over the film Enzo?
Yes, Campillo assumed directing duties for Enzo after the death of Laurent Cantet, the project's original director.
Achievements
- César Award for Best Adaptation — 2009
- César Award for Best Film — 2018
- César Award for Best Original Screenplay — 2018
- César Award for Best Editing — 2018
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and film editor
