78th Cannes Film Festival: International Jury with Halle Berry and Leïla Slimani
Cannes Film Festival Announces Jury for 78th Edition
By Jeémy Tordjman, Agency France-Presse
The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled the jury for its 78th edition, featuring a diverse panel of international talent. Five women and four men will determine which film will take home the prestigious Palme d’Or, succeeding Sean Baker’s “Anora.”
Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher,known for her role in “Three Floors,” and American actor Jeremy Strong,of “The Apprentice” fame,are among the jury members. Rounding out the panel are Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia,last year’s grand Prix winner for “All We Imagine As Light,” Mexican director Carlos Reygadas,and documentary filmmaker Dieudo Hamadi from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The festival is scheduled for May 13-24,where the jury will purposeful among 21 films in competition.

Members of the 78th Cannes Film Festival Jury.
Photo: Cannes Festival Site
(L-R, Top Row): Jeremy Strong, Alba Rohrwacher, Dieudo Hamadi. (L-R, Middle Row): Halle Berry, Juliette Binoche, Leïla slimani. (L-R, Bottom Row): Carlos Reygadas, Payal Kapadia, Hong Sangsoo.
The selection includes works from Cannes veterans such as Belgian directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, vying for their third Palme d’Or with “Young People.” Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi (“A Simple Accident”) and French director Julia Ducournau (“Alpha”), returning after her 2021 Palme d’Or win for “Titane,” are also in contention.
Richard Linklater will present “New Wave,” his take on the filming of Jean-Luc Godard’s “Breathless.” Tarik Saleh, following the success of “Cairo Conspiracy,” will also compete for the jury’s favor.The jury will also award prizes for acting, directing, and screenwriting.
Nicole Kidman to Receive Honor
Actress Juliette Binoche, a recipient of an Oscar, César, and Cannes interpretation prize, will be joined by Halle Berry, the first African-American woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for “Monster’s Ball” in 2002.
Berry, known for roles in blockbusters like “Catwoman” and “X-Men,” made her directorial debut in 2020 with “Bruised.”
Prolific director Hong Sangsoo, with four features previously selected at Cannes, including “The Woman is the Future of the Man” (2004) and ”The Day After” (2017), also joins the jury.
Leïla Slimani, a novelist and co-author of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, is the only jury member without a direct connection to cinema, though her novel “Sweet Song,” winner of the Prix Goncourt, was adapted into a film.
Last year’s jury was led by Greta Gerwig (“Barbie”) and included Omar sy and Hirokazu Kore-eda.
In addition to the Palme d’Or and other official section prizes, the festival will honor significant figures in cinema.
Nicole Kidman will receive the 10th annual Women in Motion Award, recognizing individuals who “change the place of women in cinema and in society,” organizers announced.
“Role after role, and with the nuances, the forces and cracks specific to each character, (Kidman) embodied women who free themselves from the shackles,” said Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s general delegate, in a statement.
Earlier this month, the festival announced that Robert De Niro would receive an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony.
Cannes Film Festival 78th Edition: everything You Need to Know
What is the Cannes Film Festival?
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious and celebrated film festivals. Held annually in Cannes, France, it showcases new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around the world. It’s a major event for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, and is known for its glamorous atmosphere and its role in launching and promoting films.
when and Where is the 78th Cannes Film Festival?
The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from may 13th to May 24th,in Cannes,France.
Who is on the Jury for the 78th Cannes Film Festival?
The jury for the 78th edition is a diverse panel of international talent, composed of five women and four men. They will be responsible for selecting the winner of the coveted Palme d’Or. The members include:
- Alba Rohrwacher: Italian actress known for ”Three Floors.”
- Jeremy Strong: American actor known for “The Apprentice.”
- Payal Kapadia: Indian filmmaker, last year’s Grand Prix winner for “All We Imagine As Light.”
- Carlos reygadas: mexican director.
- Dieudo hamadi: Documentary filmmaker from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Juliette Binoche: Actress
- Halle Berry: Actress
- Hong Sangsoo: Director
- Leïla Slimani: Author
Members of the 78th cannes Film Festival Jury. Photo: Cannes Festival Site (L-R, Top Row): Jeremy Strong, alba Rohrwacher, Dieudo Hamadi. (L-R, Middle Row): Halle Berry, Juliette Binoche, Leïla slimani. (L-R, Bottom Row): Carlos Reygadas, Payal Kapadia, hong Sangsoo. 
What is the Palme d’Or?
The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s given to the film that the jury deems the best of all those in competition.
Which Films are in Competition?
The selection includes works from Cannes veterans and some new filmmakers. While the full list of films is not entirely detailed in the provided text, here’s what we certainly know:
- “Young People” by Belgian directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. They are vying for thier third Palme d’Or.
- “A Simple Accident” by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.
- “Alpha” by French director Julia Ducournau.She won the Palme d’Or in 2021 for “Titane”.
- “New Wave” by richard linklater.
- “Cairo Conspiracy” by Tarik Saleh.
Has the jury Been All Women Before?
no, a majority-female jury is a notable feature of this year’s festival.The jury is composed of five women and four men.
Who Received Honors at the Cannes Film Festival?
The festival will honor significant figures in cinema, including:
- Nicole Kidman: Will receive the 10th annual Women in Motion Award.
- Robert De Niro: Will receive an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony.
What is the Women in Motion Award?
The Women in Motion Award recognizes individuals who “change the place of women in cinema and in society.”
Why is Nicole Kidman Receiving the Women in Motion Award?
according to Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s general delegate, Kidman has “embodied women who free themselves from the shackles” in “role after role, and with the nuances, the forces and cracks specific to each character.”
Who Led the Jury at the Previous Cannes Film Festival?
in 2024, the president of the jury was Greta gerwig (“Barbie”).
what Other Awards Are Presented at Cannes?
In addition to the Palme d’Or, the jury will award prizes for acting, directing, and screenwriting. There are also awards presented in other sections of the festival.
key Highlights from the Cannes Film Festival 78th Edition:
- Diverse Jury: The jury features both established actors and acclaimed filmmakers from around the world.
- Palme d’Or Competition: the festival is highlighting films and directors.
- Special Honors: Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d’Or, and Nicole Kidman will be given the Women in Motion Award.
Key Jury Members at Cannes by Profession
Here is a summary of the jury by profession:
| Profession | Jury Members |
|---|---|
| Actors | jeremy Strong,Alba Rohrwacher,Juliette Binoche,halle Berry |
| Directors | Payal Kapadia,Carlos Reygadas,Hong Sangsoo |
| Documentary Filmmakers | Dieudo Hamadi |
| Authors | Leïla Slimani |
How Can I Follow the Cannes Film Festival?
Stay tuned to major news outlets and the official Cannes Film Festival website for the latest updates,reviews,and photos.
