In France from 1933, Kosma distinguished himself with his scores for several films directed by Jean Renoir; he also co-wrote a number of memorable songs with Jacques Prevert, including "Les Feuilles mortes/Autumn Leaves" for Marcel Carne's "Les Portes de la nuit" (1946). During WWII, as a Jew in Nazi-controlled Paris, Kosma worked under the pseudonym Georges Mouque.