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Entertainment • Actor

Omar Sy

Omar Sy is a French actor and producer known for his comedy work with Fred Testot and for his leading role in the film "The Intouchables".

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Omar Sy is a French actor and producer known for his comedy work with Fred Testot and for his leading role in the film "The Intouchables". He became widely known internationally through French and Hollywood productions, including the Netflix series "Lupin" and major studio films. Born in Trappes, France on 20 January 1978, Sy won the César Award for Best Actor for "The Intouchables", becoming the first Black recipient of that award.

Early life

Omar Sy was born in Trappes, in the Yvelines department of France, on 20 January 1978. Available biographical sources identify him as French and note his family background in West Africa.

Career

Sy first built a following in France through comedy work, especially with Fred Testot on "Omar et Fred" and on Canal+ programming. He later reached a broader audience through "The Intouchables" and subsequent roles in international film and television productions.

Awards and recognition

Sy won the César Award for Best Actor for "The Intouchables". Sources identify this as a milestone because he was the first Black recipient of the award.

Selected screen work

His filmography includes "The Intouchables", "X-Men: Days of Future Past", "Jurassic World", "Inferno", "Transformers: The Last Knight", and "Jurassic World Dominion". On television, he is widely known for starring in "Lupin", a series inspired by the character Arsène Lupin.

Key facts

  • Omar Sy was born in Trappes, France, on 20 January 1978.
  • He first became known in France through comedy sketches with Fred Testot on Canal+.
  • He gained wider international recognition for his role in "The Intouchables".
  • He won the César Award for Best Actor for "The Intouchables" and was the first Black recipient of that award.
  • He later appeared in English-language films and in the Netflix series "Lupin".
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Canadian context

Omar Sy is relevant to Canadian readers through the international circulation of French cinema and streaming television, especially "Lupin" and widely distributed studio films shown in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Omar Sy?
Omar Sy is a French actor and producer best known for comedy work in France, his role in "The Intouchables", and the series "Lupin".
When was Omar Sy born?
He was born on 20 January 1978.
Where was Omar Sy born?
He was born in Trappes, France.
What is Omar Sy best known for?
He is best known for "The Intouchables" and for starring in the Netflix series "Lupin".
Did Omar Sy win a César Award?
Yes. He won the César Award for Best Actor for "The Intouchables".
Is Omar Sy also a producer?
Yes. Biographical sources describe him as both an actor and producer.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Omar-Sy
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and role as French actor and producer.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Sy
    Supports: Comedy work with Fred Testot, breakthrough with The Intouchables, César Award, and later film and television roles.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1082477/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse, children, and credits as actor and producer.
  4. French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Sy
    Supports: French-language biographical details, profession, notable works, and nationality.