Yolande Moreau honored at the 44th edition of the Itinérances festival in Alès [Context: Yolande Moreau received the Itinérances Prize 2026 before the screening of “Quand la mer monte”, recognizing her unique career that spans theater, Deschiens, and auteur cinema.]
“In this profession, we don’t do it for the money, but all the places where we perform, even if the stage is made of beer crates, are never shabby,” she expressed.
At the Theater of Le Cratère in Alès, Yolande Moreau was awarded the Itinérances Prize 2026 on Saturday, March 28th. She shared insights about her cinema career, moving between theater, clowning, Deschiens, cinema, directing, and memorable moments, reflecting on her journey in a zigzag format. The tribute was part of the 44th edition of the festival that took place from March 20th to 29th.
“Quand la mer monte,” a film co-directed by Yolande Moreau and Gilles Porte, brought her recognition in 2005 with two César awards for best actress and best first film. The film is currently being digitized to preserve its legacy.
During the event, Yolande Moreau reminisced about her experiences in Nîmes and Gard, recalling the production of “Sans toit ni loi” by Agnès Varda in the region in 1983 and meeting influential figures like Varda.
She also shared anecdotes about her career evolution from childhood in Brussels, early motherhood, diverse jobs, developing clown skills, and her breakthrough with “Sale affaire” before entering the film industry.
Rejecting narrow labels, Yolande Moreau prioritizes a blend of burlesque and tragedy in her roles, aiming for artistic integrity over financial gain.
Antoine Leclerc, the festival’s general delegate, saluted Yolande Moreau’s non-conventional path through theater, auteur cinema, burlesque forms, and directing. The evening continued with the screening of “Quand la mer monte,” derived from her foundational show “Sale affaire,” shot in 16 mm and currently undergoing preservation efforts. [Fact Check: The content highlights Yolande Moreau’s eclectic career and notable contributions to French cinema.]
