Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard and French actor-director Guillaume Canet have ended their relationship after nearly two decades, according to representatives for the couple.
"After 18 years together, Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet have decided to separate by mutual agreement," the pair confirmed in a translated statement to Agence France-Presse. "This decision was made with mutual goodwill."
© MARTIN BUREAUThe longtime partners—who first appeared onscreen together in the 2003 romantic drama Love Me If You Dare—share two children: Marcel, 13, and Louise, 8. In their statement, they emphasized that, as the "parents of two children,” they chose to “share this decision here in order to avoid all speculation, rumors and risky interpretations."
They also asked for privacy and respect during this period of change.
"By demonstrating transparency through this press release, Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet also express their desire that their private lives,” the statement continued, “especially those of their two children, be respected."
Although the announcement marks a rare glimpse into their private life, it’s not the first time Cotillard has publicly addressed her relationship. In 2016, amidst swirling rumors of an alleged affair with her Allied co-star Brad Pitt, the Inception star took to Instagram to set the record straight—while also revealing she was expecting her second child with Canet.
“I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously,” she wrote at the time. “But as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up.”
© Stephane Cardinale - CorbisShe continued, “Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need.”
To those questioning her emotional state, Cotillard added, “Secondly to those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well, thank you. This crafted conversation isn’t distressing.”
