A film series will begin today in Cuban movie theaters to evoke renowned French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, who died last September at the age of 88 after half a century of artistic career.

The selected films feature performances by the popular artist, considered one of the essential faces within French New Wave film movement and, at the same time, a figure of notorious international reach.

More than 80 films show Belmondo’s work in the seventh art, which treasures his performances of worldwide prestige, like in ‘Breathless’, directed by Jean-Luc Godard and ‘The Empire of the Lion’, by Claude Lelouch.

The nicknamed Bébel or “ugly young man with a broken nose” became a figure admired by the public and intellectuals of the time, according to articles from specialized critics, who also surrendered to his work and ability to play the most dissimilar roles.

Comedy, drama and action was played with equal quality craft. He was sought by emerging filmmakers in the French film industry, as well as others with great experience and other nationalities like Italian four-time Oscar winner, Vittorio de Sica, who picked him for film ‘Two Women’.

Jean-Paul Belmondo won, among others, the Brigadier Award in 1987, the César for best actor in 1989, the Palme d’Or at Cannes, 2011, and the Golden Lion at 2016 Venice International Film Festival.