The Most Anticipated Films That Could Shape This Year’s Most Prestigious Festival

The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival is just two months away, and speculation is building that new features from Paul Thomas Anderson, Park Chan-wook, Wes Anderson, Kristen Stewart, Richard Linklater, Nicolas Winding Refn, Spike Lee, and Scarlett Johansson could be among the titles competing for this year's prestigious Palme d'Or.

With the 2025 Oscars season now behind us, the race for next year’s awards begins, and it all starts at Cannes. The festival has cemented itself as a crucial launchpad for Academy Award contenders, as seen last year when Sean Baker’s Anora swept the Oscars after winning the Palme d'Or, while Emilia Pérez became the most-nominated film at the ceremony.

As the Academy’s membership has become more international in recent years, Cannes’ influence over Oscar campaigns has grown stronger. With about 25% of Academy voters now from outside the United States—compared to just 8% a decade ago—many of these members are drawn to Cannes’ focus on auteur-driven, high-art filmmaking. For cinephiles, this is a huge win: more exposure for world cinema, more accessibility to foreign gems, and a stronger appreciation for global storytelling.

With that in mind, here’s a detailed breakdown of the 60 most anticipated films that are likely to land in Cannes 2025, spanning high-profile Hollywood entries, European auteur pieces, and bold independent features from across the globe.

Slate for The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival

Prestigious Auteur Films

& High-Profile Contenders

After the Hunt directed by Luca Guadagnino

**Drew Starkey, director Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig attend the 'Queer' red carpet in Venice. GETTY IMAGES**

The insanely prolific Luca Guadagnino is unlikely to hit the Croisette: The Italian director is a loyal Venice festival regular and Amazon MGM has set an Oct. 10 domestic bow, suggesting After the Hunt will be going the Venice/Telluride/Toronto route. But Cannes has snatched titles from its Lido rival in the past, and there is already strong awards buzz surrounding the psychological thriller, which stars Julia Roberts as a college professor faced with an ethical dilemma when a star pupil (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield) and a dark secret of her own threatens to come to light.

‘Alpha’ directed by Julia Ducournau

**Julia Ducournau - MARC PIASECKI/FILMMAGIC**

Cannes will be holding a competition spot for Julia Ducournau’s follow-up to her explosive, divisive, and hugely influential 2021 Palme d’Or winner Titane. Neon pre-bought North American rights to Alpha in Cannes last year, and if the film is ready, a Croisette bow is all but assured. Golshifteh Farahani (Paterson) and Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian) star. Production companies FilmNation and Charades have described Alpha as Julia Ducournau’s most personal film to date, but plot details are scarce, with reports that the movie is set in the 1980s and follows an 11-year-old girl who is rejected by her classmates after it is rumored she has been infected with a new disease.

‘Amrum’ directed by Fatih Akin

**Diane Kruger and Fatih Akin - PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES; MATTHIAS NAREYEK/GETTY IMAGES**

Fatih Akin’s international breakthrough came in Berlin when Head-On won the Golden Bear in 2004. But Cannes has been a lucky charm for the German-Turkish filmmaker, who won the best screenplay honor here in 2007 with The Edge of Heaven and who helped Diane Kruger to a best actress Palme with In the Fade in 2017. Amrumreteams Akin and Kruger in a period drama set on the North Frisian Island of Amrum on the German North Sea coast in the final days of World War II. Warner Bros. in Germany has dated the film for a fall release, however, suggesting it could slide to Venice or Toronto.

‘An Affair’ directed by Arnaud Desplechin

**Arnaud Desplechin - PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES**

As festival bets go, counting on the new Arnaud Desplechin film to premiere in Cannes is as safe as they come. Ten of Desplechin’s features have premiered in Cannes, including seven in competition, the last being Brother and Sister in 2022. His Filmlovers! received a special screening last year, and he’s screened films in Directors’ Fortnight (My Golden Days, 2015) and Un Certain Regard (En jouant ‘Dans la compagnie des hommes’, 2003). His latest is a romantic drama starring François Civil as a virtuoso French pianist who returns from Asia to his hometown of Lyon, only to be caught up in an impossible love story. Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Charlotte Rampling, and Hippolyte Girardot co-star.

‘Ann Lee’ directed by Mona Fastvold

**Mona Fastvold and Amanda Seyfried - JOE MAHER/GETTY IMAGES; DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES**

Norwegian filmmaker Mona Fastvold and her husband, Brady Corbet, have a deep connection with the Venice Film Festival, which has premiered all of their directorial output over the past decade. But Fastvold’s high-profile dramatic historical musical will be ready in the Cannes corridor should the Oscar-nominated duo choose to mix things up. The film stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker movement. Lee’s followers deemed her the female Christ, and her worshippers prayed through song and dance, the basis of the movie’s musical elements. The project features original songs by Daniel Blumberg, who just won an Oscar for his score on Corbet’s The Brutalist. Fastvold and Corbet reportedly spent years researching Lee’s life and co-writing the script. The film was shot in Hungary right after production wrapped on The Brutalist.

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ Directed by Kogonada

**Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell - EMMA MCINTYRE/GETTY IMAGES; ELYSE JANKOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES**

South Korean-American filmmaker Kogonada returns with his latest project, originally slated for a May 9 release before being pushed to September 19, opening up the possibility of a Cannes debut. While a competition slot may be off the table, a non-competitive gala screening remains a strong possibility, given Kogonada's history with the festival—his previous film, After Yang, screened in Un Certain Regard in 2021. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey boasts an impressive cast, with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell leading what has been described as "an imaginative tale of two strangers and the extraordinary emotional journey that connects them." While full plot details remain under wraps, expectations are high for another introspective and visually arresting film from Kogonada, who has built a reputation for his meticulous, poetic storytelling.

‘Bugonia’ Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos has been on a meteoric rise, with Poor Things winning the Golden Lion in Venice in 2023, and Bugonia promises another thrilling addition to his diverse filmography. The sci-fi comedy, an English-language remake of the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, follows an eccentric man who believes the world is secretly controlled by extraterrestrials and embarks on a violent quest to expose them. Bugonia is slated for a November release via Focus Features, making a Venice premiere the more likely option, but given Cannes' long-standing embrace of Lanthimos (who competed last year with Kinds of Kindness), a Croisette debut remains in play.

‘Calle Malaga’ Directed by Maryam Touzani

**Maryam Touzani - PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES**

Following the international success of Adam (2019) and The Blue Caftan (2022), which won the FIPRESCI prize at Cannes, Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani is poised to make another mark on the festival with Calle Malaga. The Spanish-language drama centers on Maria Angeles, an elderly woman from Tangier’s Spanish community who resists her daughter's attempts to sell their family home. Determined to reclaim her independence, she embarks on a journey to retrieve the furniture already sold to a vintage dealer, an odyssey that rekindles long-buried desires and an appreciation for a life she thought she had left behind. If the film is completed in time, it seems destined for an Un Certain Regard or competition slot at Cannes.

‘The Chronology of Water’ Directed by Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart’s feature directorial debut is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year. Based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed memoir, The Chronology of Water delves into themes of sexuality, creativity, and the female body, told through the lens of a woman grappling with past trauma and artistic self-discovery. Stewart, a Cannes favorite for over a decade, has spent years developing the film, which stars Imogen Poots in the lead role. The ensemble cast includes Thora Birch, Earl Cave, Michael Epp, Susannah Flood, Kim Gordon, and Jim Belushi. With its deeply personal narrative and experimental storytelling, The Chronology of Water seems tailor-made for a Cannes debut, likely in Un Certain Regard, where daring and unconventional films often find a home.

‘Couture’ Directed by Alice Winocour

**Angelina Jolie (left) and Alice Winocour - FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES; MARC PIASECKI/GETTY IMAGES**

Alice Winocour, a Cannes regular whose credits include Disorder (2015) and Proxima (2019), returns with Couture, a drama set in the high-stakes world of Paris Fashion Week. The film follows an American film director, played by Angelina Jolie, as she embarks on a life-altering journey that intersects with a South Sudanese model (portrayed by newcomer Anyier Anei) and a French makeup artist (Ella Rumpf). Winocour, who co-wrote the Oscar-nominated Mustang (2015), is known for her meticulous storytelling and strong character work. Given its A-list cast, Couture seems like a strong contender for a competition slot, if completed in time.

‘De Gaulle Partie 1: La France Libre’ Directed by Antonin Baudry

French distributor Pathé has a history of launching major period dramas in Cannes, and Antonin Baudry’s ambitious two-part biopic on Charles de Gaulle fits the bill. Starring Simon Abkarian as the legendary French leader, De Gaulle Partie 1: La France Libre focuses on his role in the French Resistance during World War II, leading up to his postwar presidency. Given the success of similar historical dramas in recent years, Cannes seems like an ideal launchpad, likely in an out-of-competition slot akin to The Count of Monte Cristo last year.

‘Die, My Love’ Directed by Lynne Ramsay

Scottish director Lynne Ramsay is known for her intense, character-driven dramas (We Need to Talk About Kevin, You Were Never Really Here), and Die, My Love promises to be another deeply unsettling and provocative film. Starring Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Lawrence, and LaKeith Stanfield, the film is adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel about a woman descending into madness due to the pressures of marriage and motherhood. Given Ramsay’s Cannes track record and the film’s weighty subject matter, Die, My Love is a strong candidate for competition.

‘The Disappearance of Joseph Mengele’ Directed by Kirill Serebrennikov

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov has cemented himself as a Cannes fixture, with his last four films all competing for the Palme d’Or. His latest, The Disappearance of Joseph Mengele, is an adaptation of Olivier Guez’s nonfiction book chronicling the notorious Nazi doctor’s postwar escape to South America. Starring August Diehl (A Hidden Life), the film promises to be an unflinching examination of one of history’s most infamous war criminals. Given Serebrennikov’s Cannes streak, this film is almost certainly bound for the Croisette.

‘The Doctor Says I’ll Be Alright, But I’m Feelin’ Blue’ Directed by Mascha Schilinski

**Kirill Serebrennikov -ANDREAS RENTZ/GETTY IMAGES**

German filmmaker Mascha Schilinski gained recognition with Dark Blue Girl (2017), and her latest project, The Doctor Says I’ll Be Alright, But I’m Feelin’ Blue, is set to make waves at Cannes. The film is an ambitious multi-generational drama that links four girls from different time periods over the course of a century through their associative memories. With its experimental structure and deeply personal storytelling, the film is likely to premiere in Un Certain Regard, which has historically been a platform for bold, innovative storytelling.

‘Dracula: A Love Tale’ Directed by Luc Besson

**STEPHANE CARDINALE - CORBIS/CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES**

Luc Besson is no stranger to Cannes, though his relationship with the festival has been tumultuous. His The Fifth Element(1997) was met with polarizing reactions, but Dracula: A Love Tale could mark his triumphant return. Starring Caleb Landry Jones, Christoph Waltz, and Matilda De Angelis, the film offers a fresh spin on Bram Stoker’s classic, promising gothic romance infused with Besson’s signature kinetic style. With a July 30 release date in France, an out-of-competition Cannes premiere seems plausible.

‘Eddington’ Directed by Ari Aster

Ari Aster, known for Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid, has yet to land a Cannes competition slot, but Eddington might change that. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, the film follows a small-town sheriff with grand aspirations. Aster’s signature psychological horror elements and ambitious storytelling could make Eddington a strong candidate for a Cannes debut, possibly in competition.

'F1' Directed by Joseph Kosinski

Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris filmed their thrilling high-speed car antics and off-track interviews alongside the real-life athletes of the sport for Joseph Kosinski’s next blockbuster. The Top Gun: Maverick director will have fond memories of his time in the Riviera (remember 2022’s epic French Air Force fly-by?). Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem also feature in the hotly anticipated flick. The film is by no means a lock for the Croisette, but a buzzy debut at the fest would make a lot of sense with the prestigious Monaco race taking place just a little farther down the coast.

'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' Directed by Jim Jarmusch

**Gisela Schober | Credit: Getty Images**

Indie cinema hero and Cannes mainstay Jim Jarmusch returns with a triptych anthology film that examines family and intergenerational relationships across three stories set in three different countries. Packed with unforgettable faces — Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Vicky Krieps, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Mayim Bialik, and Indya Moore — the project’s official summary reads: “The film is a series of character studies, quiet, observational and non-judgmental. A comedy, but interwoven with threads of melancholy.” Jarmusch’s glorious gray bouffant is a familiar sight on the Cannes red carpet. He won the Caméra d’Or for Stranger Than Paradise in 1984 and the Grand Prix for Broken Flowers in 2005, last competing in 2019 with the delightfully offbeat zombie pic The Dead Don’t Die.

'Fuori' Directed by Mario Martone

Mario Martone is another of Italy’s Venice-first directors, having screened seven features in competition at the Lido. But he’s made the trip to Cannes three times in the past, appearing twice in competition (with Nostalgia in 2022 and L’amore molesto in 1995), as well as in Un Certain Regard with Rehearsals for War in 1998. His new feature, a French-Italian co-production, sees Valeria Golino (Rain Man, Maria) playing a writer imprisoned for a “crazy and unexpected act” who develops a close bond with the women she meets inside, maintaining their friendship after she is released. It’s still likely to land in Venice, but Fuori could be a Cannes surprise.

'Hamnet' Directed by Chloé Zhao

**Etienne Laurent/Epa/REX/Shutterstock**

Production wrapped on Hamnet just last fall, which could also make its completion better timed for a fall launch in Venice, but this Steven Spielberg-produced return to human drama by the director of Nomadland and Marvel’s Eternals could still become a Cannes coup. Based on the 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet imagines the life of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes Shakespeare (Jessie Buckley), following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, with Joe Alwyn and Emily Watson playing supporting parts. The film would mark Zhao’s first trip to Cannes since her contemporary western The Rider won the Art Cinema Award in the festival’s Directors’ Fortnight section in 2017.

'Highest 2 Lowest' Directed by Spike Lee

**Spike Lee (left) and Denzel Washington - TRISTAN FEWINGS/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RED SEA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL; SHANE ANTHONY SINCLAIR/GETTY IMAGes**

Here’s one to get excited about. Spike Lee’s relationship with Cannes stretches all the way back to his debut, She’s Gotta Have It, which won the Directors’ Fortnight section’s Prix de la Jeunesse (Award of the Youth) for best foreign debut at the 1986 festival. Highest 2 Lowest is Lee’s first narrative feature in five years and his first featuring Denzel Washington in the lead since Inside Man in 2006. The film is both a New York-set contemporary crime thriller and a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, featuring Washington as a powerful New York record executive placed in a precarious moral quandary. The stellar supporting cast includes Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Ice Spice, and A$AP Rocky.

'Vie Privée' Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski

**Jodie Foster - JON KOPALOFF/GETTY IMAGES**

Rebecca Zlotowski’s French murder mystery tale could be this year’s Anatomy of a Fall. Jodie Foster, a fluent French speaker, plays a renowned psychiatrist who mounts her own private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered. A who’s who of French talent, including Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste, and Luana Bajrami, co-star. Zlotowski’s 2022 feature Other People’s Children launched at Venice, but the director is no stranger to Cannes, having premiered Dear Prudence (2010) in Critics’ Week and Grand Central (2013) in Un Certain Regard.

'The Way of the Wind' Directed by Terrence Malick

Another Cannes list means another year of waiting and hoping for Terrence Malick’s The Way of the Wind. The legendary auteur, winner of the Palme d’Or in 2011 for The Tree of Life, reportedly captured nearly 3,000 hours of footage when the film was in production back in 2019 and has been editing it ever since. A biblical epic about the life of Jesus, the film stars Géza Röhrig (Son of Saul) as Jesus, Matthias Schoenaerts as Saint Peter, Mark Rylance as Satan, Tawfeek Barhom as John the Baptist, Aidan Turner as Saint Andrew, and Ben Kingsley, Joseph Fiennes, and Douglas Booth in undisclosed roles.

'The Young Mother’s Home' Directed by the Dardenne Brothers

Another Cannes guarantee is the new feature from the Dardenne brothers. The two-time Palme d’Or winners (for 1999’s Rosetta and 2005’s L’Enfant) are set to return to the Croisette with their latest Belgian social drama, this time set among five women living in a shelter for young mothers. It may have been 20 years since they last took the top film honor, but the Dardennes remain Cannes stalwarts, and it would be a shock if they are not in competition again this year.

‘I Want Your Sex’ Directed by Gregg Araki

**MONDADORI PORTFOLIO VIA GETTY IMAGES**

The cult filmmaker’s first film in more than a decade, I Want Your Sex would be sure to generate chatter up and down the Croisette. The film stars Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) as a young assistant who lands a job working for a boundary-pushing performance artist played by Olivia Wilde. Initially, it seems the kid’s dreams have come true as the artist reveals she has hired him to become her “sexual muse”—but it’s not long before he’s out of his depth, drawn into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal, and murder. Charli XCX co-stars in an undisclosed role. Often provocative and never dull, Araki previously appeared at Cannes in 2010 with Kaboom—a film reportedly inspired by a conversation he had with John Waters—which screened out of competition and won the inaugural Queer Palme.

‘The History of Sound’ – Directed by Oliver Hermanus

South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus delivers a sweeping romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War I. Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, The History of Sound follows two young men who embark on a journey to document the voices of American soldiers, only to find themselves falling deeply in love. Adapted by Ben Shattuck from his own acclaimed short story, the film promises a poignant and lyrical exploration of love, war, and memory. Expect this to be one of the festival’s most talked-about entries.

‘Hope’ – Directed by Na Hong-jin

After making waves at Cannes in 2016 with The Wailing, South Korean director Na Hong-jin is back with Hope, his highly anticipated English-language debut. Featuring a blend of international talent—including Korean stars Hwang Jung-min and Zo In-sung alongside Hollywood’s Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander—the film is a tense sci-fi thriller about a small town that stumbles upon an enigmatic discovery, plunging its residents into chaos. With additional performances from Taylor Russell and Jung Ho-yeon of Squid Game, expectations are sky-high for another mind-bending, genre-defying masterpiece from Na.

‘In the Hand of Dante’ – Directed by Julian Schnabel

While In the Hand of Dante might be a more natural fit for Venice, Cannes audiences are hopeful to see Julian Schnabel’s latest epic. Based on Nick Tosches’ novel, the film intertwines two timelines—one set in medieval Italy and the other in present-day New York—to weave a thrilling narrative of crime, history, and literature. Produced by Martin Scorsese, who may even appear in the film, the cast boasts Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, and Al Pacino. Shot on location across Italy, this could be one of the festival’s most ambitious entries.

‘Jupiter’ – Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev

**Andrey Zvyagintsev - ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES**

Following his acclaimed films Leviathan and Loveless, Andrey Zvyagintsev is back with Jupiter, a piercing drama set in the world of Russian oligarchs. Though its completion date remains uncertain, Cannes is eager to secure the film for competition. Known for his incisive social critiques, Zvyagintsev’s latest project is expected to provide a chilling and timely look at power and privilege in modern Russia. If it’s ready in time, expect Jupiter to be a strong Palme d’Or contender.

‘Left-Handed Girl’ – Directed by Shih-Ching Tsou

Making her directorial debut, Shih-Ching Tsou—best known as a producer on Sean Baker’s films—brings an intimate family drama to Cannes. Set in Taiwan’s bustling night markets, Left-Handed Girl tells the story of a single mother and her daughters as they struggle to adjust to life in Taipei after leaving their rural home. Co-written and edited by Baker, the film is expected to deliver the same raw, deeply human storytelling that made The Florida Project and Red Rocket festival standouts.

‘Let the Music Fly’ (Working Title) – Directed by Jiang Wen

Jiang Wen’s upcoming film could be China’s strongest contender at Cannes in 2025. Best known for Devils on the Doorstep, which won the Grand Prix in 2000, Jiang’s latest effort is reportedly a musical drama following a family’s sacrifices to help their son become a classical pianist. With a stellar cast that includes Ma Li, Ge You, and Zhao Benshan, Let the Music Fly is generating excitement in Beijing’s film circles. If selected, it would mark Jiang’s return to international festival prominence.

‘Love on Trial’ – Directed by Koji Fukada

Japanese auteur Koji Fukada (Harmonium) tackles the complexities of pop idol culture in Love on Trial. The film follows a rising J-pop star whose career is jeopardized after it’s revealed she violated her agency’s strict “no dating” policy by pursuing a romance with a former classmate. Inspired by real-life legal cases in Japan, the film sheds light on gender politics, personal freedom, and the pressures of celebrity life. Represented by French sales agent MK2, this could be one of the festival’s most socially relevant films.

‘The Lost Bus’ – Directed by Paul Greengrass

**Actors Naomi Watts and Matthew McConaughey attend the "The Sea Of Trees" press Conference during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival**

Paul Greengrass brings his signature intensity to The Lost Bus, a disaster drama starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. Based on the true story of California’s devastating 2018 Camp Fire, the film follows a group of townspeople as they attempt to escape the deadliest wildfire in state history. While it may not be a natural fit for Cannes competition, its star power and gripping real-life subject matter could earn it a high-profile gala screening.

‘The Mastermind’ – Directed by Kelly Reichardt

**Kelly Reichardt ARAYA DIAZ/GETTY IMAGES**

Kelly Reichardt, the acclaimed director of First Cow and Showing Up, returns with The Mastermind, a heist thriller set during the Vietnam War. Led by Josh O’Connor, Alana Haim, and John Magaro, the film’s plot remains tightly under wraps, but with Reichardt at the helm, expect a meticulously crafted, character-driven story. Given her history with the festival, The Mastermind has strong potential for a coveted competition slot.

‘Materialists’ – Directed by Celine Song

**CELINE SONG** - **OSCARS SNAPSHOT - THR VIDEO - 2024**

Celine Song follows up her Oscar-nominated debut Past Lives with Materialists, a high-brow romantic comedy starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Johnson plays a matchmaker caught between a seemingly perfect new love interest (Evans) and an old flame (Pascal). With a U.S. release set for June 2025 via A24, a Cannes premiere would be the perfect launchpad.

‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ – Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

**Tom Cruise PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES**

Tom Cruise could once again steal the Cannes spotlight if Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning debuts at the festival. Following the festival spectacle of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022—with jet flyovers and an honorary Palme d’Or ceremony—Paramount is expected to pull out all the stops for what may be Cruise’s last outing as Ethan Hunt. If it lands in Cannes, expect fireworks.

‘Musk’ – Directed by Alex Gibney

**Alex Gibney (left) and Elon Musk - COURTESY OF ANDREW BRUCKER ; JUSTIN SULLIVAN/GETTY IMAGES**

Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney turns his lens on one of the most controversial figures of our time—Elon Musk. Described as an “unfiltered portrait” of the tech billionaire, the documentary has already been acquired by HBO for North America and Universal for international release. If it premieres at Cannes, expect it to spark intense online debates—perhaps even from Musk himself.

'My Father’s Shadow' – Directed by Akinola Davies

**L-R Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Akinola Davies - GETTY/SALI MUDAWI**

Marking his feature debut, British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies delivers My Father’s Shadow, a deeply personal drama set in Lagos against the backdrop of Nigeria's tumultuous 1993 election crisis. Starring Sope Dìrísù (Gangs of London, Slow Horses), the film follows a father and his two estranged sons on a tense journey through the sprawling city as political unrest threatens to engulf them. With its themes of family, identity, and survival, the film is poised as a strong contender for Cannes' coveted Camera d'Or. Backed by Poor Things production company Element Pictures and pre-bought by Mubi for global distribution, Davies' cinematic debut is already generating significant buzz.

'No Other Choice' – Directed by Park Chan-wook

Master stylist Park Chan-wook, known for his darkly poetic narratives, returns with No Other Choice, an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake's novel The Ax. This dark comedy thriller follows an unemployed man who embarks on a murderous spree to eliminate job market competitors, turning corporate desperation into a blood-soaked spectacle. The film reunites Park with longtime collaborator Lee Byung-hun (Joint Security Area), adding a layer of nostalgia for fans of his early work. With Park yet to clinch a Palme d'Or despite multiple Cannes selections (Oldboy, The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave), this could be the film that finally earns him the festival's highest honor—if it's completed in time for the selection. Otherwise, Venice may claim this much-anticipated project.

'Nouvelle Vague' – Directed by Richard Linklater

Richard Linklater pays tribute to the French New Wave with Nouvelle Vague, a lovingly crafted biopic chronicling Jean-Luc Godard's transition from critic to auteur during the making of Breathless. Shot entirely in black and white with a 4:3 aspect ratio to evoke the era, the film stars Guillaume Marbeck as Godard and Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg. Linklater has described the film as "a love letter to cinephiles," making it a perfect fit for Cannes. With its historical reverence and meticulous aesthetic, Nouvelle Vague could be a prime contender for a major festival award.

'One Battle After Another' – Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Returning to the festival circuit for the first time in over two decades, Paul Thomas Anderson delivers One Battle After Another, reportedly his most ambitious project yet. Featuring an all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Alana Haim, and Benicio del Toro, the film is rumored to be a loose adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's Vineland. With a budget exceeding $140 million, this marks the most expensive film of Anderson's career. Its planned August release aligns perfectly with a Cannes debut, making it a potential highlight of the festival.

'Orphan' – Directed by László Nemes

Hungarian director László Nemes returns with Orphan, a coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The semi-autobiographical story follows 12-year-old Andor, who is raised by his single mother until a mysterious man appears, claiming to be his missing father. Shot on location in Budapest, Nemes' latest feature promises to blend personal history with national trauma, much like his Oscar-winning Son of Saul. Given Nemes' track record, Cannes is likely to embrace this poignant period piece.

'Orwell' – Directed by Raoul Peck

Renowned documentarian Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro, Exterminate All the Brutes) presents Orwell, an in-depth exploration of George Orwell’s life, ideology, and lasting influence. With full access to the Orwell Estate's archives, Peck crafts an unconventional portrait of the writer, moving beyond biographical conventions to examine the relevance of Orwell’s warnings in today’s sociopolitical climate. With Neon handling North American distribution, Orwell has the potential to be one of the most provocative and timely films at Cannes.

'Pillion' – Directed by Harry Lighton

**Harry Melling (left) and Alexander Skarsgard COURTESY OF NETFLIX; HBO**

A24 brings yet another bold debut to Cannes with Harry Lighton’s Pillion, a queer love story set within the gritty world of 1970s British biker culture. Featuring Alexander Skarsgård as a charismatic club leader and Harry Melling as his new, wide-eyed protégé, the film explores themes of power, submission, and sexual awakening. Billed as a "funny, filthy romance," Pillion is already a hotly anticipated entry in the festival’s Un Certain Regard or Directors’ Fortnight selections.

'The Phoenician Scheme' – Directed by Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson continues his Cannes tradition with The Phoenician Scheme, a star-studded espionage comedy-drama featuring a who's-who of Hollywood: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Scarlett Johansson, and Richard Ayoade. Co-written with Roman Coppola, the film’s plot remains under wraps, but its late May release date strongly suggests a Cannes premiere. Anderson’s distinct aesthetic and ensemble storytelling are expected to once again charm the festival audience.

'Resurrection' – Directed by Bi Gan

**Shu Qi - ARNOLD JEROCKI/GETTY IMAGES FOR TOM FORD**

Visionary Chinese director Bi Gan (Long Day’s Journey Into Night) returns with Resurrection, a genre-bending sci-fi detective story that shifts between the year 2068 and other interwoven timelines. Featuring Chinese superstars Jackson Yee and Shu Qi, the film is rumored to incorporate Bi’s signature long-take cinematography, potentially employing stereoscopic 3D technology once again. If completed in time, Resurrection could be one of the most visually mesmerizing films at Cannes.

'Rosebush Pruning' – Directed by Karim Aïnouz

Brazilian auteur Karim Aïnouz (Invisible Life) delivers Rosebush Pruning, a dark satire on patriarchal family values, inspired by Marco Bellocchio’s Fists in the Pocket. Featuring Riley Keough, Callum Turner, Elle Fanning, Lukas Gage, and Pamela Anderson, the film is scripted by Efthimis Filippou (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer), promising a blend of biting social critique and surreal absurdity. With backing from Mubi and Fremantle, this film is set to be a major talking point at Cannes.

'Sacrifice' – Directed by Romain Gavras

**Romain Gavras - JACOPO RAULE/GETTY IMAGES**

Romain Gavras (Athena) makes his English-language debut with Sacrifice, a high-octane thriller starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans, Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, and Charli XCX. The story unfolds at an extravagant charity gala that descends into chaos when a radical cult crashes the event, intending to commit ritual sacrifices in an attempt to save humanity. A likely candidate for an out-of-competition premiere, Sacrifice is poised to deliver both spectacle and social commentary.

'Sentimental Value' – Directed by Joachim Trier

**Renate Reinsve - PHOTO BY STEPHANE CARDINALE - CORBIS/CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES**

Joachim Trier reunites with Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World) for Sentimental Value, a deeply personal drama about loss and reconciliation. Reinsve plays an actress coping with the death of her mother, alongside her estranged sister (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), when their long-absent father (Stellan Skarsgård) suddenly reappears. Trier’s past Cannes success makes Sentimental Value a strong contender for a competition slot.

'Silent Friend' Directed by Ildikó Enyedi

**Léa Seydoux - DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES**

Hungarian auteur Ildikó Enyedi returns with Silent Friend, a sweeping, time-spanning drama set in the historic university town of Marburg, Germany. Told through the unique perspective of an ancient tree standing in the middle of a botanical garden, the film explores the deep interconnections between nature and human lives over the course of a century. Enyedi, best known for her 2021 Cannes contender The Story of My Wife and the Oscar-nominated On Body and Soul, has crafted a film that blends historical drama with a meditation on solitude, memory, and time itself. Featuring a powerhouse cast that includes the enigmatic Léa Seydoux and legendary Tony Leung Chiu-wai (In the Mood for Love), Silent Friend has all the makings of a Cannes competition favorite.

'The Smashing Machine' Directed by Benny Safdie

Benny Safdie, one half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo, makes his solo directorial debut with The Smashing Machine, a raw and unflinching dive into the brutal world of professional mixed martial arts. Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in perhaps the most transformative role of his career, the film chronicles the rise and fall of MMA icon Mark Kerr, whose career was plagued by addiction, personal demons, and the unforgiving nature of the sport. Known for their high-octane, anxiety-inducing filmmaking, the Safdies have already left an indelible mark on Cannes with Good Time (2017). With The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie looks poised to make a solo statement that will leave audiences gripping their seats, blending intimate human drama with the chaotic intensity of the fight world.

'Sons of the Neon Night' Directed by Juno Mak

'**Sons of the Neon Night' - DISTRIBUTION WORKSHOP**

Hong Kong filmmaker Juno Mak has spent nearly a decade crafting his latest project, Sons of the Neon Night, a visually extravagant crime thriller set in a neon-lit, near-future vision of Hong Kong. Featuring an all-star ensemble of some of the region's most revered actors, including Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Sean Lau, the film is poised to be one of the most ambitious and expensive productions in Hong Kong cinema history. The late Ryuichi Sakamoto composed the film’s atmospheric score, adding another layer of prestige to an already highly anticipated release. Mak, who stunned critics with his 2013 horror-thriller Rigor Mortis, is expected to deliver a genre-defying cinematic experience that could find its perfect audience at Cannes, likely in the coveted Midnight Screenings section.

'The Stories' Directed by Abu Bakr Shawky

Following his Cannes breakout with Yomeddine, Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky returns with The Stories, a sweeping period drama chronicling the decades-long correspondence between two unlikely pen pals—an Egyptian man and an Austrian woman—spanning from the late 1960s to the 1980s. Against the backdrop of profound geopolitical shifts, their letters reveal the intimate impact of historical events on their personal lives, bridging cultures and continents. Starring Amir El Masry (The Night Manager) and Valérie Pachner (A Hidden Life), The Stories is expected to be a poignant meditation on love, distance, and the written word. With Cannes-favorite Goodfellas backing the film, its place in either Competition or Un Certain Regard feels all but assured.

'Two Prosecutors' Directed by Sergey Loznitsa

Sergey Loznitsa, one of Ukraine’s most daring and intellectual filmmakers, shifts back to narrative storytelling with Two Prosecutors, a harrowing historical drama set in 1937 Soviet Russia. Adapted from Georgi Demidov’s novel, the film follows a young, idealistic law graduate who is thrust into the harsh reality of Stalin’s totalitarian regime. As he climbs the ranks of the Soviet judiciary, he is forced to reckon with his conscience and the horrifying machinery of state-sponsored oppression. Loznitsa, known for his rigorous and immersive approach to history (Donbass, Babi Yar. Context), is no stranger to Cannes, and Two Prosecutors could very well mark his fourth competition entry. Expect an unflinching, intellectually rigorous work that challenges audiences with its stark realism.

'Unidentified' Directed by Haifaa Al Mansour

**Haifaa Al Mansour - CHRISTOPHER PATEY**

Trailblazing Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour, whose Wadjda broke barriers as the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, is back with Unidentified, a gripping mystery-thriller that delves into themes of identity, justice, and gender politics in the Middle East. The film begins when an unknown young woman's body is discovered abandoned in the vast desert. As authorities attempt to unravel her story, a web of cultural and political complexities emerges, forcing characters to confront uncomfortable truths about societal expectations and the treatment of women. With Sony Pictures Classics securing distribution, Unidentified is likely to make a major festival splash, either in Cannes or Venice, with the former feeling like the perfect stage for its thought-provoking themes.

'The Wave' Directed by Sebastián Lelio

**Sebastián Lelio - ROY ROCHLIN/GETTY IMAGES**

Chilean director Sebastián Lelio (A Fantastic Woman, Gloria) takes an audacious step into the world of musical cinema with The Wave, a politically charged feminist musical inspired by the real-life protests against gender violence that swept across Chile in 2018. The film captures the passion, rage, and unity of a movement, blending striking visuals, stirring performances, and a pulsating soundtrack into a wholly unique cinematic experience. While Lelio has historically favored Berlin and Toronto for his premieres, The Wave’s topicality and ambitious scale make it a strong candidate for Cannes, where it could resonate deeply with global audiences. Whether in competition or a special presentation, this could be one of the festival’s most talked-about entries.

'Yes' Directed by Nadav Lapid

**Nadav Lapid - ABDULHAMID HOSBAS/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES**

Nadav Lapid, the Israeli director of Berlin’s 2019 Golden Bear winner Synonyms and Cannes’ 2021 jury prize winner Ahed’s Knee, looks set to return to the Croisette with his fifth feature, a drama revolving around a character who, much like Jim Carrey’s figure in 2008’s Yes Man, decides to answer everything in life in the affirmative. Yes also has a local lobbyist in the form of Paris-based Les Films du Bal, which produced Ahed’s Knee and Mati Diop’s Atlantics (a Cannes jury prize winner in 2019).

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

The Cannes Film Festival has long been a beacon for cinematic excellence, a place where groundbreaking storytelling, bold artistic vision, and international collaboration converge under the Riviera sun. With its 2025 edition on the horizon, the anticipation surrounding the festival is at an all-time high. This year’s potential lineup teases an exhilarating mix of auteur-driven masterpieces, high-profile Hollywood showcases, and emerging voices ready to leave their mark on the global stage.

From Paul Thomas Anderson’s high-budget epic One Battle After Another and Richard Linklater’s love letter to the French New Wave Nouvelle Vague, to Park Chan-wook’s darkly comedic thriller No Other Choice and Celine Song’s introspective romance Materialists, Cannes 2025 is poised to be one of the most exciting in years. The festival’s deep appreciation for international cinema could also spotlight filmmakers like Sebastián Lelio, Haifaa Al Mansour, and Akinola Davies, bringing urgent and diverse stories to the forefront. Meanwhile, big-budget spectacles like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and The Smashing Machine promise to bring high-energy star power to the red carpet, ensuring that the festival appeals to cinephiles and casual audiences alike.

What makes Cannes truly special, however, is not just its ability to showcase marquee names but its talent for discovery. Year after year, the festival introduces audiences to fresh voices and innovative storytelling, propelling lesser-known filmmakers into the spotlight. Could this be the year an unknown gem steals the Palme d’Or? Will an underdog surprise industry giants? The unpredictability of Cannes is what keeps it thrilling, year after year.

As speculation builds and official selections loom, one thing remains certain: Cannes 2025 will be a cinematic event for the ages. Whether you’re drawn to arthouse dramas, international powerhouses, or Hollywood’s biggest stars, this year’s potential lineup guarantees something for everyone. The countdown has begun—who will walk the Croisette, and which film will emerge as the festival’s defining masterpiece? We’ll find out soon enough.

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The Road to Cannes 2025: The Films Poised to Take Over the Festival & Dominate the Croisette