Charlotte Gainsbourg is an Anglo-French singer and actress, born in London and active in France. She is the daughter of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, and appears as a member of Les Enfoirés. Her work sits in indie pop and rock, alongside a wider pop and singer-songwriter context.

Music

Gainsbourg begins her music career as a teenager, appearing with her father on the song “Lemon Incest” in 1984. She releases her debut album, Charlotte for Ever, two years later, with production by Serge Gainsbourg. After a long gap, she returns as an adult with three albums that establish her solo reputation: 5:55, IRM and Stage Whisper.

5:55 reaches number one in France, gains platinum certification there, and also charts in the UK. The single “The Songs That We Sing” also charts in the UK. IRM is produced by Beck, and its creative process is shaped in part by her time filming Antichrist. She also contributes a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman” to the soundtrack of I’m Not There.

Acting

Gainsbourg makes her film debut in Paroles et musique, playing Catherine Deneuve’s daughter. She goes on to build a substantial acting career, including roles in films directed by Lars von Trier, Michel Gondry and Todd Haynes. Her film work includes L'effrontée, La Bûche, La Science des rêves and I'm Not There.

She wins the César Award for Most Promising Actress for L'effrontée and the César Award for Best Supporting Actress for La Bûche. She also receives the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award.