Deaths on January 27

Emmanuelle Riva, French actress (b. 1927)

Emmanuelle Riva (French pronunciation: ​[ɛmanɥɛl ʁiva]; 1927–2017) was a celebrated French actress, whose profound performances left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Born Paulette Germaine Riva on February 24, 1927, in Cheniménil, France, she became an iconic figure of the French screen, particularly renowned for her starring roles in two vastly different yet equally acclaimed films: Alain Resnais' seminal Hiroshima mon amour (1959) and Michael Haneke's poignant drama Amour (2012).

Riva's career spanned over six decades, marked by her distinctive presence, emotional depth, and ability to embody complex characters. Her dedication to her craft earned her numerous prestigious accolades and the admiration of critics and audiences worldwide.

A Breakthrough Performance: Hiroshima mon amour (1959)

Emmanuelle Riva's international breakthrough came with her unforgettable portrayal of "Elle" (She), a French actress entangled in a passionate affair with a Japanese architect, in Alain Resnais' groundbreaking Hiroshima mon amour. This film, written by Marguerite Duras, is considered a cornerstone of the French New Wave for its innovative narrative structure, fragmented memories, and exploration of themes like love, war, and the impossibility of forgetting.

Riva's nuanced performance captured the psychological scars of the post-war era, earning her widespread critical acclaim. For this pivotal role, she received a nomination for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress, solidifying her status as a formidable talent on the global stage.

Further Critical Acclaim: Thérèse Desqueyroux (1962)

Just a few years after her international debut, Riva continued to demonstrate her versatility and dramatic prowess in Georges Franju's 1962 adaptation of François Mauriac's novel, Thérèse Desqueyroux. In this film, she portrayed the titular character, a woman accused of poisoning her husband, delivering a deeply unsettling and introspective performance.

Her powerful depiction of Thérèse earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in the world. This win further cemented her reputation as an actress capable of conveying immense emotional complexity and psychological depth.

A Triumphant Late Career: The Global Phenomenon of Amour (2012)

More than fifty years into her career, Emmanuelle Riva experienced an extraordinary resurgence of global recognition for her lead role as Anne Laurent in Michael Haneke's critically acclaimed film, Amour. This French-language drama sensitively explores the challenges of aging, illness, and unconditional love between an elderly Parisian couple, co-starring Jean-Louis Trintignant.

Riva's raw, courageous, and deeply moving performance as Anne, who suffers a series of strokes, was universally lauded. For this powerful portrayal, she garnered numerous significant awards, including a second BAFTA Award for Best Actress and the prestigious César Award for Best Actress, France's national film award.

Furthermore, her performance in Amour led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. At 85 years old at the time of the announcement, Emmanuelle Riva became, at that point, the oldest nominee ever in the Best Actress category in Academy Awards history, a testament to her enduring talent and the profound impact of her work. Her performance contributed significantly to Amour winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Emmanuelle Riva's Enduring Legacy

Emmanuelle Riva's career was a testament to her dedication to the art of acting. Beyond her most famous roles, she appeared in over 80 films and numerous stage productions, consistently bringing intensity and nuance to her characters. She passed away on January 27, 2017, just weeks before her 90th birthday, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances that continue to resonate with audiences and filmmakers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emmanuelle Riva

What films is Emmanuelle Riva best known for?

Emmanuelle Riva is primarily known for her leading roles in two highly acclaimed films: Alain Resnais' Hiroshima mon amour (1959) and Michael Haneke's Amour (2012).

What awards did Emmanuelle Riva win for her acting?

Emmanuelle Riva won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for Thérèse Desqueyroux (1962), a BAFTA Award for Best Actress for Amour (2012), and the César Award for Best Actress, also for Amour. She was also nominated for a BAFTA for Hiroshima mon amour and an Academy Award for Amour.

Was Emmanuelle Riva the oldest nominee for Best Actress at the Academy Awards?

Yes, at the time of her nomination for Amour in 2013, Emmanuelle Riva, at 85 years old, became the oldest nominee in the Best Actress category in Academy Awards history. This highlighted her remarkable career longevity and the exceptional quality of her late-career performance.

What was Emmanuelle Riva's French pronunciation?

Her name is pronounced ​[ɛmanɥɛl ʁiva] in French.

When did Emmanuelle Riva pass away?

Emmanuelle Riva passed away on January 27, 2017, at the age of 89.