Gilles Jacob
Biography
Gilles Jacob was born on June 22, 1930, in Paris, France. He is a French film critic and essayist who served as president of the Cannes Film Festival between 2001 and 2014. The son of an entrepreneur, Jacob studied at the Lycee Louis-le-Grand, where Claude Chabrol was a schoolmate. At age 17, he co-founded a short-lived cinema magazine named Raccords. He subsequently collaborated as a journalist and film critic with multiple publications, including Cinema, Les Nouvelles litteraires, and L'Express. In 1976, Jacob was appointed deputy delegate general of the Cannes Film Festival, later becoming delegate general in 1978, prior to serving as president of the festival.
Career overview
Gilles Jacob was born in Paris on June 22, 1930, the son of an entrepreneur. He studied at the Lycee Louis-le-Grand, where Claude Chabrol was his schoolmate. At seventeen years old, Jacob co-founded a short-lived cinema magazine titled Raccords. He subsequently collaborated as a film critic and journalist with several publications, including Cinema, Les Nouvelles litteraires, and L'Express. Jacob is a French film critic and essayist, as well as an author, producer, and director.
His involvement with the Cannes Film Festival began in 1976 when he was named deputy delegate general. He then became delegate general in 1978 and ultimately served as president of the festival from 2001 to 2014. Additionally, he stayed on the festival's board.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
26 titles- Thanks for Coming (2026) as Self
- Citizen B (2025) as Self
- Kiarostami at Work (2023) as Self
- Morceaux de Cannes (2021)
- Deauville et le rêve américain (2020) as Self
- Water and Sugar – Carlo Di Palma: The Colours of Life (2017) as Self
- The Legend of the Ugly King (2017) as Self
- Truffaut / Godard, scénario d'une rupture (2016) as Self
- Mr. X (2014) as Self
- Gian Luigi Rondi - Vita, cinema, passione (2014) as Self
- A Special Day (2012) Director
- To Each His Own Cinema (2007) Producer
- 100 Films and a Funeral (2007) as Self
- At the Suicide of the Last Jew in the World in the Last Cinema in the World (2007) Producer
- Words in Progress (2004) Director
- Femme Fatale (2002) as Cannes Film Festival Participant
- Heart of the Festival (2002) Director
- Heart of the Festival (2002) Producer
- A Day in the Life of French Cinema (2002) as Self
- Dead Tired (1994) as Gilles Jacob
- Liberté (1989) Director
- Le cinéma dans les yeux (1987) Director
- Ça n'arrive qu'à moi (1985) Scenario Writer
- Ciné regards (1978) as Self
- Les Rendez-vous du dimanche (1975) as Self
- Le Grand Échiquier (1972) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Gilles Jacob best known for?
Gilles Jacob is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Femme Fatale (2002), Dead Tired (1994), Ciné regards (1978), Les Rendez-vous du dimanche (1975).
When and where was Gilles Jacob born?
Gilles Jacob was born on June 22, 1930 in Paris, France.
How many credits does Gilles Jacob have?
Gilles Jacob has accumulated over 26 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1972 to 2026.
What is Gilles Jacob's background in cinema and television?
Gilles Jacob was born on June 22, 1930, in Paris, France. He is a French film critic and essayist who served as president of the Cannes Film Festival between 2001 and 2014. The son of an entrepreneur, Jacob studied at the Lycee Louis-le-Grand, where Claude Chabrol was a schoolmate. At age 17, he co-founded a short-live...
Gilles Jacob by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Le Grand Échiquier (1972) as Self — aged about 42
- Femme Fatale (2002) as Cannes Film Festival Participant — aged about 72
- Dead Tired (1994) as Gilles Jacob — aged about 64
- Les Rendez-vous du dimanche (1975) as Self — aged about 45
- Ciné regards (1978) as Self — aged about 48
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