Acting alongside his father, he makes his debut on stage as an 8-year-old. He takes acting classes at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.
At 15, he makes his first appearance on the big screen in the film Daens, once again alongside his father.
He gains fame for his role in the 2011 film, Bullhead. In order to prepare for his role as a livestock farmer, he had to gain about 65 pounds of muscle.
In 2012, he is chosen by Jacques Audiard for a principal role in Rust and Bone (De rouille et d'os), in which he shares the screen with Marion Cotillard.
In 2013, he becomes the first Belgian actor to take home the César Award for Most Promising Actor of the Year.