Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster expressed a clear preference for working outside the United States during the Cannes Film Festival, citing greater creative freedom and better conditions in Europe’s film industry. At 62, Foster is currently in southern France for the premiere of A Private Life, a psychological thriller where she plays a psychiatrist investigating the mysterious death of her patient, portrayed by Virginie Efira. Unlike most of her previous work, Foster spoke French throughout the film, which is screening out of competition at Cannes.
Foster’s illustrious career began at a young age, with commercials at just three years old, and she later earned two Oscars for The Accused in 1989 and The Silence of the Lambs in 1992. She also received an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2021. Reflecting on her current career phase, Foster shared that she feels less tethered to the U.S. than when her children were younger, allowing her to explore more international projects freely.
Recalling her first Cannes visit at age 13 for Taxi Driver, Foster highlighted the stark contrast between working in France and the U.S. in terms of artistic freedom. She pointed out that French filmmakers enjoy much more latitude in blending genres—something rarely accepted by American studios, which typically want films to fit neatly into categories like thriller or comedy. This flexibility gives directors greater control over the creative process and is a key reason many filmmakers are drawn to work in Europe.
Foster, who has also directed several films, noted that Europe offers more opportunities for female directors compared to the United States. Remarkably, she revealed that until recently, she had worked with only one female director despite acting in over 60 films. She attributed this disparity to a strong bias entrenched in the American film industry, while Europe has maintained a longer tradition of supporting female filmmakers.
Overall, Foster’s remarks underscore the evolving landscape of the global film industry and highlight the growing appeal of European cinema for established artists seeking artistic freedom and more inclusive opportunities.
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