Isabelle Huppert becomes the first female president of the Cinémathèque française

The two-César star succeeds Costa-Gavras, who held the position since 2007, and takes the helm of the prestigious institution for the next three years.

A page is turning at the Cinémathèque française.

Meeting yesterday, the new board of directors, elected a few days earlier, appointed Isabelle Huppert as the new president of the institution for a three-year term.

At 73, the actress succeeds director Costa-Gavras, who had held this position since 2007. She made history by becoming the first woman elected to the presidency of the Cinémathèque française, almost 90 years after its creation.

Founded in 1936 and located in the Bercy district of Paris, the Cinémathèque française is one of the largest institutions devoted to the seventh art. It preserves nearly 50,000 heritage films and works to preserve and disseminate cinema, whether art-house or general public.

Isabelle Huppert, however, takes charge in a particular context. Last February, the Court of Auditors pointed out several shortcomings in the management of the establishment, considering that its objectives of conservation and enhancement of heritage were not fully achieved. The institution is also preparing the opening of a branch in Marseille, planned for early next year.

The new office of the Cinémathèque française for the period 2026-2029 is made up of Olivier Assayas and Claire Denis as vice-presidents, Saïd Ben Saïd as treasurer, as well as Nicolas Philibert and Alice Winocour as secretaries.