Who is Arnaud Binard, the Heartthrob who Plays Laurent Grateau in 'Emily in Paris'?
With the second part of season 4 of the hit Netflix series coming soon, L'OFFICIEL spoke with actor Arnaud Binard, aka Laurent Grateau, the attractive husband of Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu).
Arnaud Binard, known for his role as Laurent Grateau in Netflix's hit series Emily in Paris, is quickly becoming a name to watch. As fans eagerly await the first part of season 4, set to release in just a week, Binard's portrayal of the charming and sophisticated Laurent Grateau—the husband of Sylvie, played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu—continues to capture attention.
In an exclusive interview with L'OFFICIEL, Binard discussed the complexities of his character, his experiences on set, and the excitement of being part of a show that has gained worldwide popularity. With the new season approaching, Binard's performance is sure to keep audiences hooked, adding depth and intrigue to the series' unfolding drama.
L’OFFICIEL: Can you tell us about your background?
Arnaud Binard: I started when I was a teenager, in the South-West, by participating in a drama club set up by a passionate French teacher. At the end of high school, alongside my university studies, I started working with professional companies in the South-West, then at the age of 25, I arrived in Paris where I was lucky enough to be spotted by an agent who allowed me to have my first screen tests for cinema and television.
LO: What is your character’s role in Emily in Paris ?
AB: I play the role of Laurent Grateau, the husband of Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), Emily's ( Lily Collins ) mentor. Owner of a club on a beach in Saint-Tropez, which he had set up with Sylvie years before, Laurent has always remained Sylvie's best ally despite the physical distance and their parallel evolution. Sylvie and Laurent remained married but "free". At the end of season 3, after a few adventures, he decides to join Sylvie in Paris to open an annex of his Tropezian club: Laurent G Paris.
LO: How important will Laurent Grateau be in season 4 ?
AB: Laurent will be a little more present in season 4 and, as Louis de Léon, his main financial partner in this club opening project, happens to be a historical antagonist of Sylvie, we must expect some stormy twists and turns.
LO: What do you have in common with your character?
AB: Let's say that, like him, I come from the provinces, but from the South-West. This perhaps conditions a certain form of natural eccentricity with regard to the Parisian establishment.
LO: Many Emily in Paris fans decipher the look of each of its protagonists. How would you describe Laurent Grateau's?
AB: Marylin Fitoussi, the costume designer, focused on defending this natural side linked to the character's southern origins by designing elegant but effortless silhouettes. There is a kind of ease in Laurent's wardrobe, without giving up a slight tendency towards subversion. It is a very free personality that is expressed in these clothes through subtle but visible details.
LO: And yours?
AB I admit that I find the character in the comfort aspect of the clothing without giving up on matching it to the circumstances. I am quite curious about trends, especially those that come from the street or from designer workshops inspired by a craft , authentic side, such as Coltesse or Officine Générale. I also really like Lemaire.
LO: What is your personal connection with fashion? What place does it have in your daily life?
AB: Outside of my job, I am passionate about architecture and it is only recently that I have become interested in fashion, even though I have relatives who are particularly versed in clothing design. Clothing is an essential dimension of the actor's work, so I dove into this world quite naturally with real enthusiasm.
LO: What are your other upcoming projects?
AB: I just finished filming an international thriller directed by David Balda, shot in Prague, Manipulation . I'm accompanying the two-part releases of season 4 of Emily in Paris on August 15 and September 12, then the mini-series Brocéliande for TF1. There are some interesting things happening for me at the moment, that's undeniable, but nothing that is yet completely decided regarding my projects this fall. We'll probably have to make choices. I'm not complaining, it's not always the case in our profession!
Image credits: Courtesy of Netflix