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

Credits: CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP

A Career Defined by Excellence,

Global Collaboration, and Artistic Commitment

Celebrated actress Juliette Binoche has been named President of the Jury for the 78th Festival de Cannes, marking a prestigious milestone in her storied career. Exactly 40 years after her debut on La Croisette with Rendez-vous (1985), Binoche will lead the jury in selecting the winner of the Palme d’Or at the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

She succeeds Greta Gerwig, making this the first time in Cannes history that two women have consecutively presided over the jury, further solidifying the festival’s ongoing commitment to honoring female voices in cinema.

“I’m looking forward to sharing these life experiences with the members of the Jury and the public. 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.”

— Juliette Binoche, President of the Feature Film Jury 2025

A Career Spanning Four Decades and the Global Stage

Juliette Binoche’s illustrious career has spanned four decades, during which she has collaborated with some of the most visionary filmmakers from across the globe. Her filmography reflects an unparalleled breadth of artistic exploration, from the psychological depth of Michael Haneke’s Code Unknown and Hidden, to the avant-garde storytelling of Leos Carax’s The Lovers on the Bridge, and the haunting existentialism of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors: Blue. She has worked across multiple cinematic traditions, starring in Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy, which earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2010, Claire Denis’ Both Sides of the Blade, Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria, and Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Flight of the Red Balloon, among others. Whether delving into the philosophical nuances of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s The Truth or the poetic minimalism of Naomi Kawase’s Vision, Binoche has consistently sought out projects that push artistic boundaries. Her collaborations with auteurs such as David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, and Amos Gitaï further solidify her reputation as a fearless performer who seamlessly bridges arthouse and mainstream cinema.

Binoche has continually challenged artistic boundaries, seamlessly transitioning across genres and performance mediums, from cinema and television to theater, dance, music, and painting.

Her unwavering commitment to authenticity, as seen in films like Camille Claudel 1915 and Slack Bay, reflects her fearless pursuit of artistic freedom. Whether portraying deeply introspective roles or fully embracing comedic absurdity, she has remained a dynamic, ever-evolving force in cinema.

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A Voice for Change: Advocacy and Activism

Credit: EDU GARCÍA

Beyond the screen, Binoche has long been an advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and environmental issues. She was one of the first public figures to support the #MeToo movement and has actively campaigned for human rights in Iran, notably protesting in Cannes against the imprisonment of filmmaker Jafar Panahi.

Recently appointed President of the European Film Academy, Binoche continues to amplify important global causes, using her influence to push for greater awareness of climate change, education, and immigration rights.

A Historic Presidency and a Legacy of Women in Cannes

Binoche’s selection as President of the Jury places her within a distinguished lineage of women who have shaped the Cannes Film Festival’s history. Following in the footsteps of Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland (who became the first female Cannes Jury President in 1965), she joins a legacy that includes Sophia Loren, Isabelle Huppert, Jane Campion, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig, her immediate predecessor in 2024. As only the second woman in Cannes history to succeed another female jury president, her appointment signals a continued shift toward greater gender representation in festival leadership.

Her role not only honors the artistic contributions of women in cinema but also reinforces Cannes’ commitment to celebrating global filmmaking voices. With her vast experience across international cinema and her dedication to artistic integrity, Binoche’s presidency is poised to bring both depth and dynamism to the selection of this year’s Palme d’Or winner. Her presidency in 2025 not only celebrates the festival’s past but also ushers in a future where the presence of women in leadership roles continues to expand. As Cannes approaches its 78th edition, Binoche’s influence promises to shape a dynamic, thought-provoking, and artistically daring selection of films.

The remaining jury members for the 78th Cannes Film Festival have yet to be announced, with the official competition lineup expected to be revealed in mid-April. As anticipation builds for one of the most prestigious events in global cinema, Binoche’s role as Jury President promises a discerning and artistically engaged perspective in selecting this year’s Palme d’Or winner.

For more information on the 78th Cannes Film Festival, visit Cannes Film Festival Official Website.

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