With the Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, excitement is building among filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Artistic director Thierry Fremaux is already hard at work selecting the films set to grace the prestigious red carpet. Although anticipation is palpable, as of March 14, 2025, only three films have received the coveted nod to compete at this year’s festival.
One notable entry is Jim Jarmusch’s much-anticipated film Father Mother Sister Brother, featuring powerhouse performances from Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, and Tom Waits. This line-up has made waves since its announcement, drawing significant attention from audiences and critics alike.
The previous Cannes Festival left audiences with high expectations after Sean Baker’s Anora clinched the Palme d’Or and later took home the Oscar for Best Picture. The success of last year’s edition—even with concerns about Hollywood strikes impacting participation—left many wondering what artistic heights could be reached this year.
Inside sources have noted the festival “feels like the first post-strike Cannes,” hinting at a vibrant atmosphere where filmmakers are eager to present their works. With so many entries submitted, the pressure appears high on Fremaux’s selection committee to create a lineup worthy of the festival’s reputation.
Among those vying for spots at Cannes is Richard Linklater, who is bringing his French-language film Nouvelle Vague. The story centers on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking film Breathless, marking this as a spirited and nostalgic homage to the French New Wave. Linklater's recent attendance at the Berlin Film Festival has added to the buzz, positioning him as one of the filmmakers people are excited to see at Cannes.
Spike Lee also aims to make his mark this year with the A24 movie Highest 2 Lowest, reimagining Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low. Lee last served as jury president at Cannes in 2021, adding to the anticipation surrounding his latest project, which includes Denzel Washington as lead.
These filmmakers are not alone. Wes Anderson, known for his unique stylistic flair, plans to present The Phoenician Scheme, starring Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson. This film might enchant audiences with Anderson’s signature storytelling, and his last venture, Moonrise Kingdom, opened the festival over ten years ago.
Meanwhile, there are whispers of Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning set to premiere out of competition just as it hits theaters on May 21, 2025. It’s creating quite the buzz, with fans anticipating the last adventure of the iconic character Ethan Hunt.
Other films generating excitement include Ari Aster’s black comedy Eddington, Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind—tackling the backdrop of the Vietnam War—and Kristen Stewart's first feature directorial project The Chronology of Water, showcasing her vision through Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. These entries promise diverse storytelling and represent the eclectic range of talent expected at Cannes.
Among international entries, there’s significant chatter about the Dardenne brothers’ latest social drama The Young Mother’s Home and Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, both well-poised to garner attention amid the festival buzz. Another range of international talent, including filmmakers like Fatih Akin with his film Amrum and Rebecca Zlotowski’s Vie Privée, aim to contribute their unique perspectives to the festival's narrative.
There are still uncertainties, though. Films like Lynne Ramsay’s horror piece Die, My Love starring Lawrence and Pattinson and Alice Winocour’s Couture featuring Angelina Jolie may still be potential inclusions, but the jury is out on whether they will make the final cut.
Conversely, there is growing clarity about works not making the lineup, including anticipated titles like Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia and Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest untitled project, to name just two. The operational side of Cannes remains dynamic, leaving many to speculate on surprises and developments right up until the opening night.
All eyes will be on Cannes as the festival approaches, bringing excitement not just to filmmakers but to audiences worldwide. A month before the official press conference determining the full lineup, insiders remain hopeful for what is poised to be yet another landmark year for world cinema. Observers highlight the energy around this upcoming festival, with one insider noting, “the event is set to be an absolute banger,” setting the stage for exceptional stories yet to come.
With promising entries and heavyweights returning to the Croisette, the Cannes Film Festival stands ready to solidify its role as not just the most prestigious but also the most dynamic festival of the year once again.