The 78th Cannes Film Festival has officially revealed its jury composition on April 28, 2025, with renowned French actress Juliette Binoche at the helm. This prestigious jury is set to evaluate 21 films in competition from May 13 to May 24, 2025, on the iconic Croisette.
Joining Binoche are nine prominent figures from the global cinema landscape, including American actress Halle Berry and Franco-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani. The selection showcases a diverse panel, consisting of five women and four men, reflecting a commitment to gender parity and international representation.
Among the jury members are Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, known for her roles in films like Heureux comme Lazzaro and La Chimera, and American actor Jeremy Strong, widely recognized for his acclaimed performance in the series Succession. The jury also features acclaimed filmmakers such as South Korean director Hong Sang-soo, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia—who won the Grand Prix at Cannes last year—and Mexican director Carlos Reygadas, known for his contemplative storytelling.
Dieudo Hamadi, a Congolese documentarian whose works vividly portray the realities of the Democratic Republic of Congo, rounds out this illustrious jury. With such a rich tapestry of talent, the jury is expected to bring a wealth of insights and perspectives to the deliberation process.
Halle Berry, who made headlines last year at Cannes for the Olympic Flame event, is returning to the festival in a different capacity this time. Her presence adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings. Binoche, a multiple award-winning actress herself, will lead the jury in deciding which film will take home the coveted Palme d'Or, succeeding Sean Baker's Anora, which won in 2024.
The competition this year promises to be fierce, with notable films such as Jeunes mères by the Dardenne brothers, Un simple accident by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, and The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson vying for the top prize. French filmmaker Hafsia Herzi will also represent her country with her film La petite dernière.
The festival, renowned for its celebration of cinematic artistry, has a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking films and talent. Last year's jury, presided over by American director Greta Gerwig, awarded the Palme d'Or to Anora, which has since gained acclaim across various platforms.
As the festival draws closer, excitement is building around the films and the jury's decisions. The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony on May 24, 2025, a highly anticipated event that will be broadcast live.
In addition to the jury's work, the festival will also honor legendary actor Robert De Niro with an honorary Palme d'Or during the opening ceremony on May 13. This will further elevate the significance of the event, as De Niro is a celebrated figure in the film industry, known for his iconic roles in classics like Taxi Driver and The Godfather Part II.
The opening ceremony will be hosted by French actor Laurent Laffite, setting the stage for a grand celebration of film and artistry. With a lineup of films that promises to challenge and inspire, the 78th Cannes Film Festival is poised to be a memorable event in the cinematic calendar.
As the jury prepares to embark on their task, the film community and audiences worldwide await the unveiling of this year's Palme d'Or winner with bated breath. What surprises lie in store for the festival this year? Only time will tell as the world tunes in to witness the cinematic brilliance that Cannes has to offer.
