International and American stars alike studded the red carpet at Grauman's Chinese Theater on Monday night to attend the AFI (American Film Institute) Festival's L.A. premiere of the French-Belgian film, "Rust and Bone."

"Rust and Bone" stars Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard (Inception, Dark Knight Rises) and Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts (Loft, Bullhead). 

Directed by acclaimed French director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet), the story follows the blossoming of an unlikely relationship between Stephanie (Cotillard) and Ali (Schoenaerts). Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, loses her legs in an accident and the two's relationship deepens as Ali helps her find the courage to go on in life.

"Rust and Bone" was screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and competed for the Palme d'Or. It has received positive critical reception so far, with reviews praising both the drama of the film as well as the actors' performances. It has a 92% on the well-known film ratings site, Rotten Tomatoes.

"We're excited to be as well received as we are in the U.S. with a European film. We have everything to be happy about," expressed Schoenaerts.

France has historically been an influential force in the film industry, but French films have recently reached a great level of prominence with "The Artist" being the first French film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2011 and "The Intouchables" receiving unprecedented international box office success.

"We have a very strong industry in France and since the beginning of cinema, we've had a diversity that is really unique. Of course, I am very happy that we can share more of our cinema," said Cotillard.

There has been much speculation on the chemistry between Schoenaerts and Cotillard on screen. Schoenaerts reveals to Neon Tommy that the two had surprisingly only met once.

"We had a reading and then the second time I saw her was on set. Luckily everything happened in a natural way and there was a very genuine connection instantly and from there on we had a fantastic ride."

When asked what he thought about the chemistry between his two leading actors, Audiard explains that these things are unpredictable.

"It happens," he says. "It just happens."

Reach Staff Reporter Dian Qi here.