CANNES, France (AP) — It has been officially announced by festival organizers that Juliette Binoche will be leading the jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This news marks a significant moment as Binoche will be following in the footsteps of last year’s jury president, Greta Gerwig, making it the second consecutive year in which a female has been appointed to head the prestigious film jury at Cannes. Over the years, the French actress has become a familiar face at the festival, with her first appearance dating back 40 years ago during the premiere of André Téchiné’s “Rendez-vous.” Since then, she has graced the Cannes red carpet multiple times, captivating audiences with her performances in notable films such as Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “Blue,” Michael Haneke’s “Caché,” and Abbas Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy.”
Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with Cannes, Binoche expressed her gratitude and humility in being entrusted with the role of President of the Jury, a position that holds great responsibility and honor. She stated, “In 1985, I walked up the steps for the first time with the enthusiasm and uncertainty of a young actress; I never imagined I’d return 40 years later in the honorary role of President of the Jury. I appreciate the privilege, the responsibility and the absolute need for humility.”
The Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to take place from May 13 to 24, will announce its lineup in mid-April. Notably, last year, under Gerwig’s leadership, the jury selected Sean Baker’s “Anora” for the prestigious Palme d’Or award. The historical significance of having two consecutive female jury presidents at Cannes is also highlighted, with the last instance occurring when Sophia Loren succeeded Olivia de Havilland as jury head in 1966.
