Inside the jury room at Cannes 2025

Every year, at the Cannes Film Festival, the red carpet grabs many eyeballs, but the real action takes place behind closed doors. At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, nine jury members are tasked with a daunting but enviable job: choosing the films that will shape cinema’s next chapter.

This year’s jury, led by French icon Juliette Binoche, is a blend of powerful perspectives from across the globe. From Hollywood stars to indie filmmakers and even a prize-winning novelist, the panel reflects a richer, more diverse lens on storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about the people who will decide 2025's top movies.

Juliette Binoche leads the jury

Juliette Binoche is one of the most celebrated actors in global cinema. Her Cannes journey began in 1985 with Rendez-vous, and she returned in 2010 to win Best Actress for Certified Copy. This year, she takes on the role of Jury President, guiding the panel through what promises to be a deeply competitive selection of films. With a career that spans over 70 films and includes an Oscar, a BAFTA, and awards from Venice and Berlin, Binoche brings a blend of grace, insight, and experience to the job.

Halle Berry joins the panel

Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Since then, she has moved between powerful indie roles and blockbuster franchises like X-Men and John Wick. In 2020, she stepped into the director’s chair with her feature Bruised. This is Berry’s first time serving on the Cannes jury, and her work in both mainstream and independent cinema gives her a unique and balanced point of view.

Jeremy Strong brings an actor’s perspective

Jeremy Strong is best known for his role as Kendall Roy in Succession, but his recent work has shown an even broader range. At Cannes last year, he appeared in The Apprentice as political strategist Roy Cohn—a role that earned him Oscar and BAFTA nominations. He also won a Tony Award this year, adding theatre to his list of accomplishments. Strong brings a deep understanding of performance and storytelling to this year’s jury.

Payal Kapadia represents Indian cinema

Payal Kapadia is one of the most exciting names in Indian independent film. In 2024, her feature All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes, making her the first Indian filmmaker to win this honour in decades. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, Kapadia is known for her quiet, poetic storytelling and her deep sense of place. She now returns to Cannes as a juror, bringing a fresh and rooted voice to the panel.

Leïla Slimani brings a literary eye

Leïla Slimani is a French-Moroccan author who won the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel Chanson douce (Lullaby), which was later adapted into a film. Known for her fearless writing and social commentary, Slimani is also a public intellectual and advocate for gender equality. As the only non-filmmaker on the jury, she brings a unique lens to the table—one focused on narrative structure, character development, and the emotional truth of a story.

Dieudo Hamadi shares voices from Congo

Dieudo Hamadi is a documentary filmmaker from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His 2020 film Downstream to Kinshasa was the first from the DRC to be selected for Cannes’ official lineup. His work focuses on social justice, political memory, and the resilience of everyday people. As a juror, Hamadi offers an essential perspective rooted in realism and lived experience.

Alba Rohrwacher brings European cinema experience

Italian actor Alba Rohrwacher is a familiar face at Cannes, with her films like The Wonders, Happy as Lazzaro, and La Chimera all receiving acclaim at the festival. She is known for her close collaboration with her sister, director Alice Rohrwacher, who is also at Cannes this year as head of the Caméra d’Or jury. Alba’s thoughtful, restrained performances and deep ties to European arthouse cinema make her a valuable voice in this year’s jury room.

Carlos Reygadas returns with a visual imagination

Carlos Reygadas is a filmmaker from Mexico who is known for pushing the boundaries of cinematic form. His films Japón, Post Tenebras Lux, and Silent Light have all been recognised at Cannes in previous years. Reygadas often explores spiritual and emotional themes through experimental visuals and nonlinear storytelling. His presence on the jury signals an openness to bold, unconventional filmmaking.

Hong Sang-soo brings quiet power

Hong Sang-soo is a South Korean director whose films are minimal in style but rich in emotional texture. He is a regular at Cannes and other top film festivals, and his stories often explore the small, awkward, beautiful moments of everyday life. As a juror, he brings a subtle, introspective point of view and a strong sense of what makes a story feel personal and true.

A jury shaped by global cinema

 

Together, these nine jury members represent a rare mix of experience, backgrounds, and creative voices. From Hollywood to India, from poetry to politics, this year’s panel reflects a broader vision of what cinema can be. Their decision will not just award a film—it will also send a message about where the future of storytelling is headed.

While the world keeps an eye on the gowns, premieres, and press conferences, the most important moments at Cannes are often the quietest ones. In a room where these nine sit down to talk about what moved them, what challenged them, and what they’ll remember long after the festival ends. That’s where the real story begins.

Lead image: Getty Images

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