Marion Cotillard has been named the surprise winner of the 2007 Best Actress prize by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA).
The star was lauded by the organization on Monday for her portrayal of tragic singer Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose, despite not being of African-American descent.
Gil Robertson IV, the AAFCA president, says, “Although our organization gives specific consideration to work by artists of African descent, Ms. Cotillard‘s astonishing portrayal of Edith Piaf is a standout performance worthy of recognition.”
Don Cheadle‘s role in Talk to Me landed him the organization’s Best Actor gong, with filmmaker Kasi Lemmons named Best Director.
American Gangster triumphed with the Best Supporting Actress and Actor awards for Ruby Dee and Chiwetel Ejiofor, respectively, while the AAFCA’s top film of 2007 was the Denzel Washington-directed The Great Debaters.
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