In a recent interview with PEOPLE, acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche expressed her sheer delight when she had the opportunity to meet and spend quality time with one of her idols, Shirley MacLaine. Sharing a publicist and agent, it was a relatively easy task for Binoche to arrange a lunch meeting with the iconic actress, during which they engaged in captivating conversations about life.
Binoche, who is known for her diverse portfolio of work and her Academy Award-winning performance in 'The English Patient,' has long admired MacLaine. From her unforgettable roles in films like 'The Apartment,' 'Irma la Douce,' and 'Terms of Endearment,' Binoche has always seen MacLaine as a free-spirited, witty, and energetic figure.
And meeting MacLaine did not disappoint. Describing her as fun-loving and delightful, Binoche hinted that their conversation even touched upon MacLaine's love life, although she chose not to elaborate further. The encounter left an indelible mark on Binoche, who appreciated MacLaine's openness and vibrant personality.
MacLaine, now in her 90s, has had a remarkable career spanning almost seven decades, amassing numerous accolades along the way, including an Academy Award for 'Terms of Endearment' and several Golden Globe Awards. A true legend in the industry, MacLaine's accomplishments are a testament to her immense talent and enduring presence.
Interestingly, both Binoche and MacLaine have portrayed the iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel on screen. MacLaine brought her to life in the 2006 TV movie 'Coco Chanel,' while Binoche recently portrayed her in the Apple TV+ limited series 'The New Look.' Their shared connection to this iconic figure likely fostered even more engaging conversations between the two talented actresses.
Speaking of her work with fervor and passion, Binoche expressed her love for her craft. She sees acting as an exploration of life and a source of joy. Binoche's dedication to her work is evident in her latest projects, including the award-winning film 'The Taste of Things,' directed by Trần Anh Hùng. In the movie, Binoche plays Eugénie, a cook in 1885 France, and showcases her culinary skills onscreen with precision and authenticity.
'The Taste of Things' holds special significance for Binoche, not only because of her love for French cuisine, which was passed down from her mother and instilled in her children, but also because it reunited her with her former partner, Benoît Magimel, whom she had not spoken to in years. Despite initial tension, their onscreen collaboration allowed them to reconcile and find healing, especially when their daughter, Hana, saw the film and expressed its profound impact on their relationship.
As Binoche continues to delight audiences with her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, her recent encounter with Shirley MacLaine serves as a reminder of the profound connections that can be forged between talented artists. With her upcoming projects, including 'The Taste of Things' and 'The New Look,' Binoche's fans can look forward to witnessing her brilliance on the screen once again.
