Able to jump from touching everyman to rough hooligan, Lindon has rarely been seen abroad but will get international attention after winning the prize for his part in "The Measure of a Man".
He plays a laid-off factory worker desperately searching for a job, and eventually forced to take a position as a security guard that he hates.
"What's moving in the film is that it depicts people doing things they don't really want to do," Lindon told reporters after the screening last Monday.
In an understated but powerful performance, he exhibits a quiet dignity as he struggles to keep his pride and provide for his family in the face of financial difficulty.
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Accepting the award on Sunday night, a deeply moved and weeping Lindon said it was the first time he had won an acting award, and paid homage to his director Stephane Brize.
"I'm the ambassador of his dreams, his generosity, his professionalism," he said.
Having played in some 60 films ranging from broad comedies to social dramas, and working with the cream of French cinema, Lindon's victory at Cannes will be welcomed by fans since he has never taken home a Cesar -- the French equivalent of the Oscar's -- despite five nominations.
"I liked him. I wanted to be him. The part really touched me."
Brize praised Lindon's performance as he headed up the red carpet for the award ceremony this evening.