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02/04/2025

Juliette Binoche to Preside Over the Jury of the 78th Cannes Film Festival


Juliette Binoche will preside over the jury of the 78th Cannes Film Festival | 40 years after her debut at the event, she returns to lead the group tasked with awarding the Palme d'Or. Recognized for her versatility and artistic commitment, the actress takes on this role with humility, solidifying her legacy in global cinema.

Forty years after her first appearance on the iconic steps of La Croisette, Juliette Binoche, the internationally acclaimed actress known for her unwavering commitment to art and her era, will take on the prestigious role of jury president at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The festival, which will run from May 13 to May 24, 2025, will award the coveted Palme d'Or under her leadership. Binoche succeeds American director Greta Gerwig, marking the second time in the festival's history that one woman in cinema has passed this esteemed responsibility to another.

Upon hearing this announcement today, Binoche shared: "I am eager to share these life experiences with the jury members and the audience. In 1985, I first climbed these stairs as a young actress, full of enthusiasm and uncertainty. I could never have imagined returning four decades later in the honorary role of jury president. I accept this privilege with a deep sense of responsibility and humility." In 2018, Binoche presided over the jury at the Berlin Film Festival.

Since her pivotal role in André Téchiné's "Rendez-vous," which premiered at Cannes in 1985, Binoche has forged a remarkable career spanning over 70 films and collaborations with some of the world's most visionary filmmakers. From Michael Haneke and Claire Denis to Abbas Kiarostami and Hirokazu Kore-eda, her filmography is a testament to her artistic curiosity and universal appeal. Her performance in Kiarostami's "Certified Copy," which earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2010, exemplifies her ability to transcend boundaries and illuminate stories exploring the complexities of love, art, and truth.

A winner of numerous awards, including an Oscar (The English Patient, 1997), a BAFTA (The English Patient, 1997), and a César (Three Colors: Blue, 1994), Binoche has consistently chosen roles that resonate with emotional authenticity rather than mere virtuosity. Her collaborations with directors like Bruno Dumont, from the moving "Camille Claudel 1915" to the extravagant "Slack Bay," highlight her fearless versatility and dedication to artistic freedom. Beyond film, she has ventured into theater, dance, music, and painting, continually reinventing herself and challenging expectations.

It's also worth noting that Binoche's influence extends far beyond the screen. As a vocal advocate for human rights, education, and environmental causes, she has used her platform to address urgent global issues. From protesting the imprisonment of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi to raising awareness about climate change, she embodies the spirit of a committed global citizen. Her recent appointment as president of the European Film Academy further underscores her dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue and change within the industry.

Her presidency at Cannes also carries symbolic resonance, echoing the legacy of pioneers like Olivia de Havilland and Sophia Loren, who previously held the position. By taking on this historic role, Binoche not only celebrates her extraordinary career but also pays homage to the enduring contributions of women in cinema.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival has promised to be a celebration of art, diversity, and the unifying power of cinema, undoubtedly guided by the vision of one of its brightest stars.

The Twelve Women Who Have Been Jury Presidents

These are the twelve women who have served as jury presidents throughout the history of the Cannes Film Festival:

Photo credit: Juliette Binoche © Photograph by Brigitte Lacombe



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