French film star Gérard Depardieu today denied sex assault charges that could see jailed for up to five years.

The 76-year-old looked tired and frail on Monday as he appeared at the Paris Correctional Court at the opening of a high-profile criminal trial.

"I would like to make a statement beforehand, and then answer the court's questions," said Depardieu, who made his name in hit movies including Green Card,  Cyrano de Bergerac and The Last Metro.