Gilles Jacob - Actor Profile

Gilles Jacob

Directing
Freshness: Feb 04, 2026
12Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 22, 1930
Birth Place: Paris, France

About Gilles Jacob

Gilles Jacob (born 22 June 1930) is a French film critic and essayist, who served as president of the Cannes Film Festival between 2001 and 2014. Born in Paris, the son of an entrepreneur, Jacob studied at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, having Claude Chabrol as a schoolmate. At 17 years old he co-founded a short-lived cinema magazine, Raccords. He then collaborated as a film critic and journalist with several publications, including Cinéma, Les Nouvelles littéraires and L'Express. In 1976 he was named deputy delegate general of the Cannes Film Festival, before becoming delegate general in 1978, and finally becoming president of the festival from 2001 to 2014. He stayed in the festival's board of directors until 2018, and since then he served as member of the General Assembly of the festival. Among his initiatives, were the foundation of the Un Certain Regard selection, the Caméra d'Or award, and the Cinéfondation. During his career Jacob received various honours and accolades, notably the Legion of Honour.[4] He served as a juror at the 47th Venice International Film Festival. Source: Article "Gilles Jacob" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Gilles Jacob reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 12 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Gilles Jacob's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 25% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Gilles Jacob remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Truffaut / Godard, scénario d'une rupture, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Gilles Jacob Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Gilles Jacob's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Gilles Jacob.

Gilles Jacob - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Gilles Jacob?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gilles Jacob is "Truffaut / Godard, scénario d'une rupture" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Gilles Jacob acted in?

Gilles Jacob has been featured in at least 12 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Gilles Jacob?

Other notable films include "100 Films and a Funeral", "The Legend of the Ugly King", and "Femme Fatale".