At the 2026 César Awards, actor Théodore Pellerin made a decisive entrance onto the French cinema awards scene by taking home the prize for best male breakthrough performance for his role in the drama film Nino, directed by Pauline Loquès. At 28 years old, he is now firmly on the radar of international audiences and critics who follow emerging talent across borders.
Who is Théodore Pellerin?
Théodore Chouinard-Pellerin was born on June 13, 1997. He grew up in an artistic environment: his mother, Marie Chouinard, is a dancer and choreographer, and his father, Denis Pellerin, is a painter. This creative family background shaped an early connection to performance and visual arts that would later feed into his acting craft.
He first appeared on television in 2014, playing the character Sammy Azoulay in the series 30 lives. From 2015 to 2018, he played one of the central roles in the series Med. In 2018, he joined Kirsten Dunst in the series On Becoming a God in Central Florida, a key step that exposed him to a broader international audience. He then showed up in American productions such as Patrick Brice’s Killer Game, confirming his ability to navigate different markets and languages.
Over the years, Pellerin has moved fluidly between auteur-driven films and larger international projects, collaborating with filmmakers such as Xavier Dolan, Ari Aster and Eliza Hittman. This mix of art-house and more widely accessible work has built a profile that appeals to both festival circuits and global viewers.
Nino, the performance that changed everything
The major turning point in his recent career came with Nino, directed by Pauline Loquès. In this film released in 2025, he plays Nino Clavel, a performance that quickly became a critical talking point.
The role earned him the Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award at the 2025 Critics’ Week during the Cannes Film Festival, a strong indicator that his portrayal had struck a chord with festival programmers and critics alike. Just one year later, that same performance was rewarded again with the 2026 César for best male breakthrough performance.
In an interview with Télérama in September 2025, Pellerin described the impact of Nino on his personal and professional life, stating that the film marked his “passage into adulthood.” That comment underlines how closely his own evolution is tied to this role and helps explain why the performance resonates so strongly.
- Cannes Film Festival 2025: Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award for Nino
- César Awards 2026: Best male breakthrough performance for Nino
A closer look at his screen journey
Before Nino, Théodore Pellerin had already built a solid reputation among cinephiles. His breakthrough came with the feature film Family First (original title Chien de garde, 2018), which earned him the Revelation of the Year award at the Gala Québec Cinéma (Prix Iris). The intensity of that performance positioned him early on as an actor to watch.
He went on to leave a mark in several films, including Genesis (Genèse), Underground (Souterrain), Solo and Beau Is Afraid. Each of these projects added another layer to his filmography, confirming his willingness to explore demanding roles and emotionally complex characters.
Key films to discover
For viewers who want to catch up on his most notable work so far, these titles stand out:
- Family First (original title Chien de garde, 2018)
- Genesis (original title Genèse, 2018)
- Underground (original title Souterrain, 2020)
- Solo (2023)
- Nino (2025)
Television and international exposure
Beyond film, Pellerin has also appeared in high-profile series with international visibility, a key factor in reaching audiences in the United States. Among his television credits are The OA, Maid, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld and Franklin. These projects, available on major global platforms, have helped extend his reach well beyond festival circles.
This steady presence across different formats and languages demonstrates a career built on variety: he moves from intimate character studies to larger international series while maintaining a distinctive screen presence.
Video spotlight
For those who want to see more of the atmosphere surrounding his recent work, here is a video related to the projects that have shaped his trajectory:
Social media highlight
His 2026 César win has naturally generated attention on social networks, where distributors and film lovers are following his rise. Below is an Instagram embed that reflects this momentum:
Why his 2026 César matters
The 2026 César for best male breakthrough performance confirms Théodore Pellerin’s standing in contemporary French-language cinema and makes Nino a must-see for anyone who follows new acting talent. For viewers in the United States curious about rising international actors, his trajectory—spanning festival recognition, acclaimed films and globally visible series—makes him a name to track in the coming years.
FAQ
What award did Théodore Pellerin win at the 2026 César Awards?
He won the 2026 César for best male breakthrough performance for his role in the film Nino, directed by Pauline Loquès.
How old is Théodore Pellerin?
Théodore Pellerin was born on June 13, 1997, and is 28 years old.
Which films is Théodore Pellerin best known for?
He has appeared in several notable films, including Family First (Chien de garde), Genesis (Genèse), Underground (Souterrain), Solo and Nino.
In which TV series has Théodore Pellerin appeared?
His television work includes roles in 30 lives, Med, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, as well as appearances in international series such as The OA, Maid, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld and Franklin.
