He took on a role in Vous n'aurez pas l'Alsace et la Lorraine in 1977 on an offer from the actor Coluche.

He received the Prix Jean Gabin in 1982 for his role in Une étrange affaire.

In 1995 he won a César Award for Best Actor with Le Fils préféré.

In 2001, he received the César Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role with The Taste of Others (Le Goût des autres).

He is married to Chantal Benoist, an actress, model and singer who released disco albums in 70s/80s under the name "Jennifer".