An international star of extraordinary, almost otherworldly beauty, French actress Juliette Binoche was born in Paris. The daughter of a sculptor/theater director and an actress, Binoche studied acting at the National School of Dramatic Art of Paris. Following graduation, she followed her mother's footsteps and became a stage actress, occasionally taking small parts in French feature films.

Binoche first earned recognition in 1985 for playing a modernized, teenaged version of the Virgin Mary in Jean-Luc Godard's controversial "Je Vous Salue, Marie/Hail Mary." The actress became a bona fide French star the same year with an acclaimed performance in André Téchiné's "Rendez-Vous." And though the darling of the 1985 Cannes Film Festival, Binoche gained true international acclaim when she played Tereza in Philip Kaufman's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" in 1988.

Binoche become was cast in a lead role in filmmaker Leos Carax's chilling "Mauvais Sang/Bad Blood." Binoche appeared in his "Les Amants du Pont-Neuf," a film they began in 1988 finish in 1991.

Binoche had great success starring opposite Jeremy Irons in "Louis Malle's Damage" (1992). The same year, the actress appeared with future English Patient co-star Ralph Fiennes in a new film version of "Wuthering Heights," and followed that with the lead role in Krzysztof Kieslowski's Blue. (She also appeared briefly in the trilogy's other installments, "Red and White").

Binoche return in 1995 with "Le Hussard sur le Toit/The Horseman on the Roof." In 1996, she earned further international recognition with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar (as well as a host of other awards) for her role in "The English Patient." Returning to her native France amidst a golden haze of critical acclaim, Binoche appeared in the same year's "Un Divan a New York," a romantic comedy in which she starred opposite William Hurt. In 1998, she again collaborated with director Téchiné, this time on the romantic drama "Alice et Martin."

Revered as near royalty by the French press (who often simply refer to her a La Binoche) and a beloved star worldwide, Binoche's remarkable second wind found her popularity soaring and her screen presence more powerful than ever. Binoche's daring and intense performance as 19th century literary icon George Sand in the drama "Children of the Century" indeed impressed audiences and critics.

Binoche was cast in "The Widow of Saint-Pierre" The redemption-themed drama perform smashingly at the international box-office and also found it's star earning a Cesar nomination for Best Actress.

A teaming with filmmaker Michael Haneke resulted in the intersecting lives drama "Code Unknown" (2000). Binoche's gave a captivating performance that same year in the art-house hit "Chocolat." Cast as the free-spirited owner of a chocolate shop located in a small French town, the deicated actress actually prepaired for the role by learning to make chocolate at a popular Paris sweet shop. The film was an international runaway hit, and the beloved starlet was nominated for Best Actress awards across the globe. Following a lighthearted performance opposite French icon Jean Reno in the romantic comedy "Jet Lag," Binoche appeared with American star Samuel L. Jackson in director John Boorman's political oriented drama "Country of My Skull" in 2003. Julliette is currently filming "Bee Season" with Richard Gere in the Oakland/San Francisco area. ~ Taken from Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide