The 2025 Cannes Film Festival promises to be an exciting spectacle, showcasing some of the most anticipated films of the year. From May 13-24, cinephiles will be treated to a diverse selection of films competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or. This year’s lineup includes new works from acclaimed directors such as Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater, all vying for the highest honor at the event.
A Star-Studded Jury and the Role of Juliette Binoche
For the first time in 60 years, Juliette Binoche will serve as the Jury President at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Known for her iconic roles in films like The English Patient and Chocolat, Binoche’s appointment marks another milestone in the festival’s history. She follows in the footsteps of Greta Gerwig, who chaired the jury in 2024. This momentous occasion highlights the growing representation of women in major film industry roles.
Binoche’s leadership will be crucial in determining the winner of the Palme d’Or, which is awarded to the best film of the festival. Festival president Iris Knobloch expressed her excitement over Binoche’s selection, noting her deep understanding of cinema and her impressive career.
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Top Films Competing for the Palme d’Or
A variety of big-name filmmakers will compete at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, making this edition one to watch. Some of the films that have already caught attention include:
- Ari Aster’s “Eddington”: A pandemic-era Western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, this film is set to be a major contender. Aster is known for his work in psychological horror, and his latest project is expected to push the boundaries of storytelling in unique ways.
- Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme”: Anderson, known for his distinctive visual style, presents a film starring Benicio Del Toro as a European profiteer. Anderson’s loyal fans are eagerly awaiting his latest creation, which is set against a backdrop of European history and intrigue.
- Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague”: A tribute to the French New Wave, this film explores the life and work of legendary filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. Linklater’s take on French cinema is expected to be a thoughtful and visually stunning homage to the genre-defining movement.
Other major directors featured in the official selection include Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, two-time Palme d’Or winners, with their latest film titled Young Mothers. The Belgian filmmaking brothers continue to be a fixture in the Cannes lineup, and their latest offering is generating significant buzz.
Notable Returnees and New Filmmakers
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival also celebrates returning filmmakers with a long history at the event. For instance, Julia Ducournau, who won the Palme d’Or in 2021 for Titane, is back with her new film Alpha. Set in 1980s New York, Alpha focuses on a young child navigating the struggles of having a parent living with AIDS. This deeply emotional story is already drawing attention for its powerful themes and its importance in today’s cinematic landscape.
Additionally, Joachim Trier, whose The Worst Person in the World was a standout at the 2021 festival, will compete with his new film Sentimental Value. The Norwegian director is no stranger to success at Cannes, and his latest film, starring Renate Reinsve, is generating high expectations.
Jafar Panahi, the Iranian filmmaker who faced imprisonment and political persecution, will unveil his latest work, Un Simple Accident. Panahi’s courage in continuing to create under such challenging circumstances only heightens the significance of his presence at Cannes.
Newcomers and Special Screenings
While many of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s biggest names are returning, the festival will also introduce fresh talent to the spotlight. For example, Scarlett Johansson will make her directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great”, a film featuring June Squibb in a leading role. Johansson’s venture into directing has excited both her fans and critics, who are eager to see what she brings to the world of filmmaking.
Similarly, Harris Dickinson, known for his performance in Babygirl, will also debut as a director with his film Urchin. Set in the Un Certain Regard sidebar, both Johansson and Dickinson are sure to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike.
In the special screenings section, Bono will present “Bono: Stories of Surrender”, a documentary about the singer’s one-man stage show. Directed by Andrew Dominik, the film offers an intimate look into the life of one of music’s most iconic figures.
Absentees and Surprises
While the lineup is filled with major names and highly anticipated films, some high-profile projects were notably absent. Directors such as Terrence Malick and Paul Thomas Anderson, whose films have long been awaited, did not make the cut this year. Malick’s Jesus drama The Way of the Wind, Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” and Spike Lee’s Akira Kurosawa remake, “Highest 2 Lowest”, were among the titles some hoped would appear. However, in a twist, Lee confirmed via Instagram that “Highest 2 Lowest” will indeed be part of the festival’s out-of-competition category.
Despite this absence, Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s artistic director, remains focused on celebrating the films that have made the cut. Frémaux acknowledged the pressure of following up the 2024 festival, which produced several Oscar-winning films. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that the 2025 Cannes Film Festival will live up to its reputation for showcasing the finest in global cinema.
As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival rapidly approaches, all eyes will be on the films vying for the Palme d’Or. The festival lineup includes exciting new works from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, Richard Linklater, and many others, with Juliette Binoche leading the jury. This year’s edition promises to continue Cannes’ tradition of celebrating artistic excellence and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of established auteurs or emerging voices, the Cannes Film Festival offers something for everyone.
