A Magnificent Life
| A Magnificent Life | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| French | Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol |
| Directed by | Sylvain Chomet |
| Written by | Sylvain Chomet |
| Produced by | Eric Goossens Ashargin Poiré Valérie Puech Aton Soumache |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Elric Lefeuvre |
| Music by | Stefano Bollani |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 91 minutes[2] |
| Countries |
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| Languages | French English[3] |
A Magnificent Life (French: Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol, lit. 'Marcel and Mr. Pagnol') is a 2025 adult animated biographical drama film written and directed by Sylvain Chomet. The film had its world premiere at the Special Screenings section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2025, and was theatrically released in France by Wild Bunch on 15 October 2025.
Summary
It follows the life of 60-year-old Marcel Pagnol, an acclaimed playwright, novelist and filmmaker, who is visited by a vision of his childhood self.
Cast
- Laurent Lafitte as Marcel Pagnol[4]
- Géraldine Pailhas as Augustine Pagnol
Production
On June 2021, the film was announced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, with Sylvain Chomet directing the film, and Aton Soumache and Ashargin Poiré serving as producers.[5]
Release
In May 2022, Sony Pictures Classics acquired distribution rights to the film for North and Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, Scandinavia, India, Italy, airlines and ships.[6] In May 2024, Picturehouse Entertainment acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights.[7] The film was released in France on 15 October 2025, by Wild Bunch.[1] The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on 27 March 2026.[8] The film had its world premiere at Special Screenings section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2025.[9][10] It also screened as a part of the official competition at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.[11]
Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 64% of 22 critic reviews are positive.[12] Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com wrote, "...the film might feel slight compared to both the work of its subject and the other works by its director. But Chomet’s eye for hand-drawn animation remains a gift, and this film is deeper than it first appears."[13]
Accolades
| Award / Film Festival | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annecy International Animation Film Festival | 14 June 2025 | Best Feature Film | A Magnificent Life | Nominated | [11] |
| New York Film Critics Online | December 15, 2025 | Best Animation | Nominated | [14] | |
| Lumière Awards | 18 January 2026 | Best Animated Film | Nominated | [15] | |
| Annie Awards | February 21, 2026 | Best Feature - Independent | Nominated | [16] |
References
- ^ a b c d e "Sony Pictures Classics Unveils 'The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol' Official Teaser (EXCLUSIVE)". Animation Magazine. 8 October 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ "A Magnificent Life [PG]". British Columbia Film Classification Office (Consumer Protection BC). 4 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ^ Lang, Jamie (2022-05-26). "Sony Acquires Sylvain Chomet's 'The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol'". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "MARCEL ET MONSIEUR PAGNOL (A MAGNIFICENT LIFE)". Festival de Cannes. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ^ "Sylvain Chomet : son film d'animation consacré à Marcel Pagnol | CNC". www.cnc.fr (in French). Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ^ Lang, Jamie (2022-05-26). "Sony Pictures Classics To Distribute Sylvain Chomet's 'The Magnificent Life Of Marcel Pagnol' In The U.S. And Other Key Territories". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ Magazine, Animation (2024-05-23). "Cannes: 'The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol,' 'Animal Tales of Christmas' Score International Sales". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ Sharpe, Josh (2 February 2026). "Cannes Animated Feature 'A MAGNIFICENT LIFE' Sets March Release". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (2025-04-10). "Sylvain Chomet's Animated Biopic 'A Magnificent Life' Set for Cannes Screening". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
- ^ "The Screenings Guide of the 78th Festival de Cannes". Festival de Cannes. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ a b Roxborough, Scott (23 April 2025). "Annecy Unveils 2025 Lineup (Full List)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "A Magnificent Life". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian (2025-05-21). "Cannes 2025: Nouvelle Vague, A Magnificent Life | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 15, 2025). "New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Winners: Ethan Hawke, Jacob Elordi, Jessie Buckley, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and More". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 15, 2025. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ Goodfellow, Melanie (2025-12-12). "Lumière Awards: François Ozon's 'The Stranger' Leads Nominations; Jodie Foster Up For Best Actress & Natalie Portman Animation Also In Running". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (January 5, 2026). "2026 Annie Awards Nominations: 'Elio,' 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Lead Film Nods". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
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