Written by Kianna Best on Feb 4, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Juliette Binoche announced as 78th Cannes Film Festival Jury Head

Renowned French actress Juliette Binoche has been appointed as the president of the jury for the 78th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to take place from 13 to 24 May, 2025. Binoche follows on from last year’s jury president and Barbie director Greta Gerwig, becoming the second woman in the festival’s history to take on the position.

 

Photo by Brigitte Lacombe

 

Binoche first graced the Cannes red carpet in 1985 with her role in André Téchiné's Rendez-vous, a film that garnered significant attention and set the stage for her future successes. Reflecting on this journey, she stated: "In 1985, I walked up the steps for the first time with the enthusiasm and uncertainty of a young actress; I never imagined I'd return 40 years later in the honorary role of President of the Jury. I appreciate the privilege, the responsibility, and the absolute need for humility."

 

Throughout her career, Binoche has achieved the rare feat of winning top acting honours at Europe's three major film festivals: Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. Notably, she received the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2010 for her role in Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy.

 

Her appointment as jury president follows that of Greta Gerwig, who served in the role last year. This marks the first time since 1966 that two women have consecutively held the position, underscoring Cannes' evolving commitment to diversity and representation in its leadership.

 

In addition to her new role at Cannes, Binoche has been serving as the President of the European Film Academy since May 2024, succeeding Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland. Her leadership in this capacity reflects her dedication to the European film industry and its artistic community.

 

The Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1946, remains one of the world's most prestigious and publicised film events. Each year, it attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate outstanding contributions to the art of filmmaking. The appointment of a jury president is a significant decision, as this individual leads the panel responsible for awarding the coveted Palme d'Or, among other honours.

 

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival approaches, anticipation builds around the films that will be showcased and the decisions that Binoche and her fellow jurors will make. With her rich experience and profound understanding of cinema, Binoche's leadership is expected to bring a nuanced and insightful perspective to the festival's proceedings. The official lineup for the festival is slated to be announced in mid-April, with filmmakers and audiences alike eagerly awaiting the selection of films that will compete for top honours.

 

 

Image courtesy of Festival de Cannes 

 

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