Ageless star power

Huppert on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival in May. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Films enable me to experience the lives of women. Most of them are suffering, struggling and vulnerable, however, they pursue who they are and fight against their destiny," Huppert says.

"Nowadays, women are aware of fighting for their rights. They realize their value and beauty," she adds. "Women's voices also need to be heard more clearly in the film world."

In June 2009, Huppert came to Beijing for the first time to attend the exhibition Isabelle Huppert: Woman of Many Faces, as part of that year's Croisements Festival, which was held at Ullens Center for Contemporary Art.

The photo exhibition, initiated by the Museum of Modern Art/P. S. 1, New York, gathered about 100 photo and video portraits of the French actress created by a multigenerational, international group of leading photographers.

The Chinese show included works by young Chinese artists, including Yang Fudong, Wen Fang and Shi Xiaofan.

As an actress, Huppert says, she never prepares herself, given her passion for the characters.

"I am lazy. I didn't even read the original novel before acting in The Piano Teacher. I enjoy acting in the moment. The sensitivity and freshness are important," she says.

"I am not afraid of aging. Like every one, actors age. It's natural," she adds.