A Parisian Farewell for a Cinema Icon
Claudia Cardinale, the legendary Italian actress, was honored on September 30, 2025, in the solemn setting of Saint-Roch church in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. The church, already known as a place of memory for figures such as Jane Birkin, Yves Saint Laurent, Claude Brasseur, and Annie Girardot, welcomed a crowd of mourners and colleagues for a ceremony that was both austere and deeply personal, reflecting Cardinale’s enduring influence on the world of cinema.
Notable Attendees and the Ceremony’s Tone
While the full guest list remained private, early images and media glimpses suggested a gathering of prominent French film figures and longtime collaborators, mingled with family and friends. Among those seen paying their respects were actress Catherine Jacob, comedian Patrick Préjean accompanied by his wife Liliane Trichot, and political figures such as Rachida Dati and Valérie Pécresse. The Italian ambassador to France, Emanuela D’Alessandro, was also present, underscoring Cardinale’s transnational appeal. A discreet, respectful mood prevailed as guests arrived under a Parisian sky that shone on the ceremony.
Nikos Aliagas appeared in solemn black, and former colleagues and admirers like Paul Belmondo—who shared a warm history with Cardinale through films such as La Scoumoune, Cartouche, and Le mauvais chemin—were among those who honored the icon. Other well-known figures, including Bernard Montiel, Jack Lang, and Nicolas Bedos, also joined the intimate procession of mourners, while many attendees remained anonymous, each person paying tribute in their own way.
The Family’s Wishes and the Foundation’s Purpose
The ceremony began at 2:30 PM and concluded with the cremation of Cardinale in a decision described by relatives as a private family matter. In a move consistent with the family’s stated wishes, there were no flowers or keepsakes on display; those who wished to honor Cardinale were encouraged to donate to the Fondation Claudia Cardinale. The foundation, established in 2023, supports emerging artists and operates in collaboration with the Museo Novecento in Florence and the Château-Musée de Nemours. On Cardinale’s own site, she spoke of art and creation as inexhaustible resources to renew the imagination on contemporary issues, and she highlighted battles such as women’s rights and environmental protection as topics needing renewed energy and transmission.
A Lasting Legacy in Nemours and Beyond
Cardinale spent her later years in Nemours, the town where her children were a central part of her life. A religious tribute was planned for October 1 in Nemours, where she had chosen to settle in her cherished residence, Le Picardeau—a historic house that has become a cultural and artistic hub through the Fondation Claudia Cardinale. The foundation’s mission, rooted in Cardinale’s belief in art as a lifeline for social change, continues to foster opportunities for young artists and to amplify voices from the next generation of cinema.
Icon, Activist, and Family-Centered Artist
Claudia Cardinale’s cinematic repertoire—ranging from Le Guépard to Il était une fois dans l’Ouest, Cartouche, and Tous les chemins mènent à Rome—est a testament to a star who defined an era while remaining deeply devoted to family and civic engagement. Her agent, Laurent Savry, summed up her legacy: she leaves behind “the heritage of a free and inspired woman,” a sentiment echoed by colleagues who described her as someone who used her platform to champion women’s rights and the environment. In the words of Gala, the family has remained clear about the manner of tribute, choosing simplicity over spectacle and inviting donations to her foundation as a meaningful tribute to her lifelong commitments.
What This Means for Her Fans and the Film World
For fans and peers alike, Cardinale’s passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in world cinema, but also the beginning of a continued conversation about the power of art to shape minds, communities, and futures. Her foundation’s work—supporting young artists and connecting Florence and Nemours with initiatives in cinema—ensures that Cardinale’s spirit of exploration, generosity, and fearless creativity lives on in generations to come.
