Cannes Festival 2025: what we know

The Croisette is about to vibrate once again. From May 13 to 24, 2025, the Cannes Film Festival raises the curtain on an edition that promises to be rich, prestigious and resolutely international. Here’s what you don’t want to miss.

Juliette Binoche and Laurent Lafitte: two French pillars to guide the publishing world

For this 78ᵉ edition, Juliette Binoche will preside over the feature film jury. Forty years after her first ascent of the steps in André Téchiné’s Rendez-vous, she succeeds Greta Gerwig, marking a rare female sequence at the head of the jury. It’s a highly symbolic decision, underlining a desire for change in the festival’s artistic governance.

Laurent Lafitte returns to the role of Master of Ceremonies, eight years after a highly acclaimed appearance in 2016. Actor, director and member of the Comédie-Française, his elegant verve, chiselled humor and knowledge of cinema make him a natural choice to open and close the festivities.

World premieres and eagerly awaited stars

The red carpet promises to be incandescent. Among the celebrities announced:

  • Josh O’Connor, featured in two films in competition;
  • Paul Mescal, in a queer drama already announced as one of the shocks of the festival;
  • Scarlett Johansson, making her directorial debut at Un Certain Regard with Eleanor the Great;
  • Harris Dickinson, also for his directorial debut;
  • Tom Cruise, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, out of competition ;
  • Robert De Niro, who will receive an honorary Palme d’Or;
  • And even Bono, featured in the documentary Stories of Surrender.

First French film opens

The opening film is Leave One Day, directed by Amélie Bonnin. This is her first feature-length film, a remarkable entry that confirms the festival’s commitment to supporting new voices in cinema.

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