in the US, in the last decade or so, “actor” is a term preferred by many professionals who might once have been called “actresses.” (And the word “poetess” now is an archaic way to réfère to a female poet.)  Are there professionals in French film and theatre who also prefer to be “acteurs”?

Well, this is old-fashioned!

I agree with Ruth. In the U.S. many female actors do not want to be called actresses.