Omar Sy Brings French Hit 'The Intouchables' to America

Earlier this year, Omar Sy made history when he became the first black actor to win France's Cesar Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Intouchables." Perhaps even more surprising is who Sy beat for the prize - Jean Dujardin, star of "The Artist." To hear him tell it, Sy was just as surprised as anyone by the honor.

But no one who has seen "The Intouchables" can be that shocked; Sy delivers a winning, wonderful performance as ex-convict Driss, the unlikely caretaker of a wealthy quadriplegic played by Francois Cluzet. Whether unsuccessfully pursuing his boss' assistant or being exposed to art and classical music for the first time, Sy's Driss is compulsively watchable and charming. And Hollywood has already taken notice; this week, Sy signed with United Talent Agency in the U.S. for representation in all areas.

"The Intouchables" was a runaway hit in France last year, and hits U.S. theaters this week, opening May 25. Sy spoke to Back Stage via a translator about the roller coaster ride of the film.

What it was like to hear your name called at the Cesar Awards?
Omar Sy: It's indescribable, it's unique, it is many things at the same time. There was a moment when I couldn't feel my legs. There were many, many questions in my brain but I can't remember any of them. There was a loss of breath. Asphyxia. And a feeling of being overwhelmed. And joy, because it represents the consideration and respect of the people in my trade, in the craft, because they are the voters for the Cesar.

Did you have a speech prepared?
Sy: No. There was no speech prepared because I had the feeling that if I had a little piece of paper in my jacket and had not won, I would return home with that little piece of paper in my coat and then feel really bad. So I went there unprepared.

What was the most difficult part of making the film?
Sy: Previous to this film, I was mainly in supporting roles; this is the first where I had to carry one of the lead roles, which meant following the evolution of the character throughout the whole film. To really find each moment. On the other hand, the role was tailor-made for me by two directors that know me very well, and the other lead is an extraordinary actor. On top of that, the story was something very personal and touching to me and there was a comic dimension I really thrived on.

The film has a surprising amount of comedy, actually.
Sy: That was the biggest challenge of the film itself, the delicate balance between comedy and the serious side of the film. They wanted to safeguard the depth of the story and the dramatic side of it. And of course in the relationship with the two characters, there was the deeper social dimension of the film. So we wanted to have moments that were light, but not too light. It was all about finding that perfect sweet spot in between those two things, the comedy and drama of it.

What's up next for you?
Sy: I've already begun filming my next feature film, directed by Michel Gondry. It's based on a very famous French novel or modern classic called "L'ecume des jours" by Boris Vian; in English the title is "Mood Indigo." I'm very excited about it. I play Nicolas, who is the caretaker of the lead role, Colin, played by Romain Duris.

You're playing another caretaker?
Sy: I actually didn't make that connection, but yes, in fact, I am!