Michel Cournot

May 1, 1922 — Paris, France

Michel Cournot was a French journalist, screenwriter, and film director known for his contributions to literature and cinema. He began his career as a journalist, writing for publications such as France-Soir and L'Express. In 1949, he was awarded the Fénéon Prize for his literary work Martinique. Transitioning to film, Cournot directed Les Gauloises bleues (1968), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival that year; however, the festival was canceled due to the events of May 1968 in France. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the Canadian television miniseries Les Tisserands du pouvoir (1988), earning a Genie Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Cournot's work is characterized by its insightful commentary on society and culture.