The Cannes Film Festival is just about to kick off, and this year’s jury lineup has been revealed. Cannes is famous not only for showcasing incredible films but also for its commitment to diversity—not just in the movies it screens, but also in the people who decide the winners of its top awards.
For the 78th edition of the festival, the jury will be made up of some impressive names from the world of film and literature. Sitting on the panel this year are actress Halle Berry, director Payal Kapadia, actress Alba Rohrwacher, writer Leïla Slimani, filmmaker Dieudo Hamadi, Korean director Hong Sangsoo, filmmaker Carlos Reygadas, and actor Jeremy Strong.
The jury’s job is a big one. Besides choosing the winner of the Palme d’Or—the festival’s highest honor—they also decide on awards like the Grand Prix, Best Actor and Actress, Best Director, and the Jury’s Prize. Leading this talented group will be the Jury President, acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche.
Last year, the jury was headed by Greta Gerwig, who directed Barbie. She handed the Palme d’Or to Sean Baker for his film Anora, starring Mikey Madison. That film didn’t just shine at Cannes—it also won big at the Oscars, with Anora taking Best Film and Madison winning Best Actress.
Let’s take a closer look at some of this year’s jury members:
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Halle Berry is a well-known actress famous for movies like Monster’s Ball, Jungle Fever, and the X-Men series. She made history as the first African-American woman to win an Oscar for acting, thanks to her role in Marc Forster’s Monster’s Ball.
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Payal Kapadia is a director best known for her film All We Imagined as Light, which won the Grand Prix at last year’s Cannes and made waves during awards season.
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Hong Sangsoo is a Korean filmmaker who is a familiar face at Cannes and other top festivals like Berlinale, known for his unique storytelling style.
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Jeremy Strong is an actor who gained lots of praise for his role in The Apprentice, earning nominations from the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Oscars.
Joining them are documentarian and producer Dieudo Hamadi, filmmaker Carlos Reygadas, and celebrated French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani.
The festival will take place from May 13 to 24, and all the winners will be revealed during the closing ceremony on the last day. It’s shaping up to be an exciting event filled with diverse voices and great films!
