The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled the official jury for the Short Films Competition and La Cinef section ahead of its 79th edition, which will run from May 12 to May 23, 2026.
Acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón will serve as Jury President. She will be joined by French-Korean actress and visual artist Park Ji-Min, Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari, French actor-director Salim Kechiouche, and Swedish filmmaker Magnus von Horn.
The jury will award the prestigious Short Film Palme d’Or along with the three La Cinef prizes, dedicated to student filmmakers from around the world. This year’s selection includes 10 short films in competition and 19 student films in the La Cinef lineup.
In an official statement, Carla Simón described short films as “a whole universe” capable of leaving a lasting emotional impact in only a few minutes. She emphasized the importance of the short format as a space for artistic freedom, experimentation, and renewal in cinema.
Known as one of the leading voices in contemporary Spanish cinema, Simón gained international recognition with her debut feature Summer 1993 and later won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale for Alcarràs. Her latest feature, Romería, premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Among the jury members, Park Ji-Min rose to prominence through Return to Seoul, while Ali Asgari is recognized internationally for films including Until Tomorrow and Terrestrial Verses.
French actor and filmmaker Salim Kechiouche is widely known for his roles in Blue Is the Warmest Colour and the Ganglands series, while Magnus von Horn recently received critical acclaim for The Girl with the Needle, which earned nominations at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
The announcement highlights the Cannes Film Festival’s continued commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and showcasing innovative voices in world cinema.
By Cem Kaplan