French filmmaker and actor Maurice Pialat, whose Under Satan's Sun won the Palme d'Or in 1987 (pictured), died on Saturday, aged 77.

In a message of condolence, President Jacques Chirac called Pialat a "master of the cinematographic art" who "leaves a deep imprint on the history of French film."

"Through his powerful, exacting and unique works, Maurice Pialat explored with intransigence and sensitivity the shadows and lights of the human soul," Chirac said.

Pialat directed 11 films in a career stretching over four decades. He made his last film, Le Garcu, in 1995.