
Antonia Desplat embodies the new rising star of French cinema and television. At 30, she shines in Made in France, an event series broadcast on France 2, while carrying a unique artistic heritage. Daughter of Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat and violinist Dominique Lemonnier, she is now making her mark in the audiovisual landscape. A promising career, driven by remarkable talent and ambition.
Revelation in Made in France
In Made in France, Antonia Desplat brings to life Olympe Costa, a brilliant and determined young executive working in a luxury leather goods company. On screen, her subtle and nuanced performance captures attention. She skillfully juggles the strength and vulnerability of her character, exploring the pressures of the luxury world and the struggles of female emancipation. Alongside Cécile Bois and Thierry Neuvic, she stands out as the revelation of this captivating series, praised for its bold approach to human relationships and contemporary issues.
While this series marks her debut on a French channel, Antonia is not an unknown. Before winning over the French audience, she took on numerous international projects, with notable roles in Shantaram, alongside Charlie Hunnam, and in Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, where she collaborated with figures such as Tilda Swinton, much loved by Almodovar, and Bill Murray.
A prestigious musical heritage: the genius of Alexandre Desplat
The name Desplat immediately evokes musical excellence. Alexandre Desplat, Antonia’s father, is one of the greatest composers of our time. He has left his mark on cinema with unforgettable soundtracks. Winner of two Oscars for The Grand Budapest Hotel (2015) and The Shape of Water (2018), he has also composed memorable music for The King’s Speech, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Little Women. His accolades also include three César Awards, two Grammys, and several other distinctions.
Dominique Lemonnier, Antonia’s mother, is an accomplished violinist who has closely collaborated with Alexandre Desplat. Together, they have created an artistic symbiosis that has contributed to major cinematic works. This family atmosphere steeped in music and creation has profoundly influenced Antonia. However, she chose a different path: "Music is part of me, but I found my voice in acting. My parents have always supported me in this choice."
Beginnings marked by excellence
Antonia Desplat studied at the East 15 Acting School in England, a renowned institution where she honed her acting skills. This demanding training allowed her to land varied roles, ranging from British television productions like Victoria to films like Modi, directed by Johnny Depp.
In 2019, she won the Best Actress award at the London Independent Film Awards for Held for a Moment, a short film she also wrote. This project revealed not only her acting talent but also her writing skills, confirming her artistic versatility.
Made in France: between luxury and a quest for meaning
With Made in France, Antonia explores a refined yet ruthless universe. The series, filmed in sumptuous settings like the former mansion of the Countess du Barry, highlights French craftsmanship and the stakes of luxury. But beyond the glitter, it delves into the ethical dilemmas and personal struggles of its characters. Antonia portrays a woman at a crossroads, torn between professional ambition and a search for meaning.
The role of Olympe Costa also highlights universal themes such as female emancipation and solidarity among women. Alongside Cécile Bois, Antonia forms a poignant duo that transcends the clichés of female rivalry to offer a more nuanced vision of human relationships.
A career to watch closely
Antonia Desplat is today one of the most promising French actresses of her generation. Her ability to navigate between international and national projects demonstrates a rare talent and boundless ambition. Between her standout performances in English productions and her central role in Made in France, she establishes herself as a key figure to follow.
The legacy of a luminous family
While Antonia charts her own path, she remains deeply connected to her family heritage. Alexandre Desplat, as a father, has shown through his career the importance of excellence and artistic rigor. Dominique Lemonnier, through her mastery of the violin, has embodied a quest for harmony and passion. These influences are felt in every role choice Antonia makes, where artistic demand remains paramount.
With Made in France, Antonia not only shines as an actress. She also honors the legacy of a family that has left its mark on cultural history. Through her talent, she proudly represents France and demonstrates that a name, even a prestigious one, is just the starting point of a career built on hard work and perseverance.
Antonia Desplat is more than a rising star. She is the promise of a rich career and an artist who, like her father, wants to leave her mark on her era.