Souad Amidou, born on July 4, 1959, is a distinguished French actress whose career spans several decades. She is the daughter of the actor Amidou and began her artistic journey at a young age, appearing alongside her father in the short film "Le thé à la menthe" in 1963. Her early exposure to the film industry paved the way for her notable role as Anouk Aimée's daughter in Claude Lelouch's classic "Un homme et une femme" in 1966.
To hone her craft, Amidou studied under renowned instructors such as Anicette Fray, Jean-Louis Martin-Barbaz, John Strasberg, and Andreas Voutsinas. By the early 1980s, she had solidified her presence in both film and television. Her performance in "Le Grand frère," directed by Francis Girod, garnered her a nomination for the César Award for Most Promising Actress, marking a significant milestone in her career. Throughout her journey, she collaborated with esteemed directors including Gérald Oury, Jacques Deray, Ariel Zeitoun, Gérard Lauzier, and even Steven Spielberg.
In her personal life, Amidou married director Fabien Onteniente on December 23, 1987, but the couple parted ways by March 15, 1991. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was honored with the Legion of Honour in 2008. Expanding her talents, she ventured into directing with her short film "Camille and Jamila" in 2009, followed by "Rendez-vous avec Ninette," which received acclaim at various film festivals. A committed vegan, she actively participates in the Institut citoyen du cinéma's sponsorship committee and supports the NGO Vegan Marathon.
