**William Shimell** is a British actor, though he is primarily known as an internationally acclaimed opera baritone. His film career is less extensive, but he gained worldwide recognition for his leading role in the 2010 film "Copie conforme" (Certified Copy), directed by the celebrated Abbas Kiarostami.

In the film, Shimell portrays James Miller, a British writer visiting Tuscany, who embarks on an enigmatic and profound dialogue with a French art gallery owner (played by Juliette Binoche). His performance was praised for its measured intensity and his ability to convey intellectual and emotional complexities through subtle nuances. This role highlighted a sophisticated screen presence, leveraging his natural gravitas and verbal eloquence—qualities that distinguish him as a film performer despite his primary operatic calling.