Featuring in two films selected at AFI FEST—the American Film Institute's annual film festival in Los Angeles—the French actress has been presented with an AFI Tribute in celebration of her illustrious career.
It was in the mythical setting of the Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard that Jacqueline Lyanga, director of AFI FEST, paid tribute to Isabelle Huppert, who starred in both Things to Come by Mia Hansen-Love and Elle by Paul Verhoeven. AFI FEST celebrated its 30th anniversary at this year's festival, held from November 10 through 17, 2016.
Lyanga declared that “Isabelle Huppert is a masterful actress" who "exemplifies the best of world cinema." Also present at the ceremony was Elle's director Paul Verhoeven, who stated in front of packed audience that the AFI Tribute was "truly well-deserved." He explained that "Even with her amazing career, Isabelle Huppert has never really been honored in the United States. In France, of course, she has won many awards, but on the other side of the Atlantic, it's quite new to receive so much attention." He concluded: "I have never worked with another actress, or actor, who is so gifted. She has extraordinary talent, and in my view, Isabelle makes the film what it is. She takes it to a higher level."
