French actress Juliette Binoche will preside over the Jury of the 78th Festival de Cannes (Cannes 2025). Joining her on the panel are American star and filmmaker Halle Berry, and Indian director-screenwriter Payal Kapadia, whose meteoric rise has captured the attention of world cinema.
Payal Kapadia returns to Cannes this year not just as a celebrated filmmaker, but as a juror—marking a significant moment for Indian cinema. Her presence on the panel follows the global success of All We Imagine as Light, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 and made her a powerful new voice in international cinema.
Cannes 2025: A Global Lineup to Decide the Palme d’Or
The Festival de Cannes has always been a beacon of world cinema, and its 2025 jury lineup reflects that spirit more than ever. From Hollywood to Mumbai and Kinshasa to Seoul, the nine-member jury will bring a rich mix of cultural and artistic perspectives to the Croisette. Blending talents from across cinema and literature, the jury also includes South Korean auteur Hong Sangsoo, acclaimed Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, French-Moroccan novelist Leïla Slimani, Congolese filmmaker and producer Dieudo Hamadi, and renowned Mexican director Carlos Reygadas. As previously announced, French icon Juliette Binoche will lead the jury, taking over from Greta Gerwig, who awarded the Palme d’Or to Sean Baker’s Anora in 2024. These creative voices will award the Palme d’Or from among the 21 films competing this year. The winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, broadcast live on France Télévisions and streamed globally via Brut.
Juliette Binoche: French Icon at the Helm
Juliette Binoche is no stranger to Cannes—or cinematic greatness. With a filmography spanning more than 70 films across four decades, she has worked with legendary directors from Leos Carax to Hirokazu Kore-eda. Binoche won Best Actress at Cannes in 2010 for Certified Copy, and she brings a unique blend of grace, intellect, and artistic credibility to this year’s jury.
Her recent work includes the Apple TV+ series The New Look, where she plays fashion icon Coco Chanel, and The Taste of Things, France’s official Oscar submission for 2024.
Halle Berry remains a Hollywood force two decades after her historic Oscar win for Monster’s Ball. With roles in blockbusters like John Wick 3 and X-Men, Berry has also stepped behind the camera with her directorial debut Bruised. In 2024, she starred in and co-produced Never Let Go, reaffirming her presence as both a performer and producer.
Payal Kapadia, on the other hand, represents a quiet revolution from Indian cinema. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, Kapadia became a breakout global voice after her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing won hearts at Cannes. Her 2024 feature All We Imagine as Light became the first Indian film in three decades to compete for the Palme d’Or—and it won the Grand Prix. Now, she returns to Cannes, this time as a juror shaping the future of global cinema.
Alba Rohrwacher, a Cannes regular, brings her subtle intensity and award-winning performances to the jury. Known for films like The Wonders and La Chimera, she is one of Italy’s most respected contemporary actresses.
Leïla Slimani, the acclaimed author of Lullaby, adds literary gravitas. With her sharp observations on gender, power, and identity, Slimani has become a prominent voice in both French and international media.
Dieudo Hamadi, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an acclaimed documentarian whose work (Downstream to Kinshasa) has amplified African voices on the global stage. A self-taught filmmaker, Hamadi brings a deeply grounded and humanistic eye to the panel.
Cannes darling Hong Sangsoo has long been a staple of the festival, with minimalist yet profoundly moving stories that explore relationships, memory, and the mundane beauty of life. His films are known for their experimental structure and philosophical depth.
Carlos Reygadas, the Mexican director of Silent Light and Post Tenebras Lux, is known for his visceral visuals and spiritual storytelling. A previous Cannes Jury Prize and Best Director winner, Reygadas embodies the boldness Cannes loves to celebrate.
Jeremy Strong, known worldwide for his riveting role as Kendall Roy in HBO’s Succession, has recently transitioned to film with notable performances in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and The Big Short. His 2025 film The Apprentice is competing for the Palme d’Or, making his dual presence as both actor and juror particularly fascinating this year.
A Jury That Mirrors the World
This year’s Cannes jury is not just a panel of names—it’s a reflection of cinema’s borderless power. With members from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the jury represents a tapestry of storytelling traditions, cinematic schools, and generational talent.
Whether it’s Binoche’s elegance, Berry’s resilience, Kapadia’s quiet rebellion, or Hong’s introspective style, each member brings a unique voice to this critical cultural moment. With 21 films in competition and a powerhouse jury ready to evaluate them, all eyes are now on the Riviera. Who will walk away with the Palme d’Or? Will we see new voices rise or celebrated auteurs take another bow?
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