Breakthrough role was as the angry youth Vinz in 1995's La Haine
First English-language film was the Merchant-Ivory historical drama Jefferson in Paris (1995)
Met his wife, actor Monica Bellucci, on the set of 1996 mystery L'appartement
Won a 2008 César Award for his role as notorious French criminal Jacques Mesrine in L'ennemi public no 1
His father, Jean-Pierre Cassel, was supposed to appear opposite him in L'ennemi public no 1 before he passed away; they acted opposite each other in three previous films
Awards
2017Canadian Screen Awards-Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:winner
2017Canadian Screen Awards-Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:winner
2017César Awards-Best Supporting Actor:nominated
2017César Awards-Best Supporting Actor:nominated
2016César Awards-Best Actor:nominated
2010Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated