Juliette Binoche Takes Center Stage: From Cannes Starlet to Jury Queen

In a groundbreaking move for the world of cinema, legendary French actress Juliette Binoche has been formally named President of the Jury for the 78th Cannes Film Festival, from May 13 to 24, 2025. The appointment marks a full-circle moment for Binoche, who first walked the Cannes red carpet exactly 40 years ago with her first leading role in André Téchiné's Palme d'Or contender Rendez-vous.

 

Binoche, 60, is globally acclaimed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, the only performer to have received Best Actress awards at all three of the major European film festivals: Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. In 2010, she took the Cannes Best Actress award for Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy, and she has had distinguished roles in The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Three Colours: Blue, and Oscar-winning movie The English Patient.

 

Reflecting on her new role, Binoche stated, "In 1985, I went up the steps for the first time with the excitement and naivety of a young actress; I could never have dreamed that I would return 40 years later in the honorary role of President of the Jury. I am thankful for the privilege, the responsibility, and the sheer necessity of humility."

 

This year's appointment is historic, as it marks the second time in Cannes history that two women have occupied the coveted position back-to-back, with Binoche succeeding last year's president, director Greta Gerwig.

 

With anticipation mounting for the announcement of the official lineup, Binoche's stewardship guarantees a festival filled with cinematic greatness and emotional depth, marking her ongoing "love affair" with the Croisette.

 

Source: Numéro