(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Marion Cotillard has confessed she knew nothing about American history before appearing in Public Enemies.

The 35-year-old French actress shot to international fame when she won the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of the late songstress dith Piaf in La Vie en Rose.

The talented star has gone on to make a name for herself in blockbusters such as Nine, Inception and 2009s Public Enemies, which also starred Johnny Depp and recounted a story of gang rivalry in Chicago in the 1930s.

The movie was directed by Michael Mann, and Marion admits she was embarrassed by her lack of knowledge in American history before she began shooting.

When Michael Mann cast me in Public Enemies, I didnt know anything about American history. I mean, not anything! she laughed in an interview with Empire.

The star is thrilled with the way her career has panned out, and cannot believe everything she has achieved. Marion is quick to add that she tries to keep her feet on the ground at all times though.

I live as a girl who had big dreams and who is lucky enough to live those dreams while continuing to dream while at the same time living a real life, she explained. (C) Cover Media