Matthias Schoenaerts

Matthias Schoenaerts (born December 8, 1977, in Antwerp, Belgium) is a Belgian screen actor known for intense, physically grounded performances across European cinema and major international productions. He is also credited under alternate spellings and translations of his name, including Матіас Шонартс, Маттиас Шонартс, and 馬提亞斯・修奈爾.

Schoenaerts began acting early, making his film debut as a teenager in Daens (1992), a title that went on to earn an Academy Award nomination in the foreign-language category. He later became widely recognized for roles such as Filip in Loft and Jacky Vanmarsenille in the Oscar-nominated Bullhead, cementing his reputation as one of Belgium’s most compelling leading men.

International audiences discovered his range through acclaimed projects including Rust and Bone—which brought him a César for Most Promising Actor—followed by standout turns in The Drop, Suite Française, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Danish Girl, and Red Sparrow. His work in Disorder and The Mustang drew further praise for its emotional precision and restraint.

In 2015, France honored Schoenaerts as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. Among his notable credits are Black Book, Left Bank, Any Way the Wind Blows, Girl, The Pack, and Love Belongs to Everyone.