A luminous presence on screen and a symbol of artistic commitment, Juliette Binoche has captivated audiences and critics alike for decades. This year, exactly 40 years after her first appearance at Cannes, she will take on a new role—as President of the Feature Film Jury at the 78th Festival de Cannes. On Saturday, May 24, she will have the honor of awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or.
Binoche succeeds Greta Gerwig, marking the second consecutive year that a woman in cinema passes this prestigious torch to another.
“I look forward to sharing this experience with my fellow Jury members and the audience. In 1985, I walked up the steps of Cannes with the enthusiasm and uncertainty of a young actress; never did I imagine that, 40 years later, I would return as President of the Jury. I embrace this privilege, this responsibility, and the absolute need for humility.”
— Juliette Binoche, President of the Feature Film Jury 2025
A Career Rooted in Cannes
The Festival de Cannes has long been a stage for global cinema, bringing together diverse nationalities, genres, and perspectives—an ethos that perfectly aligns with Binoche’s career. Since her breakthrough in André Téchiné’s “Rendez-vous” (1985), which premiered at Cannes, she has built an extraordinary filmography spanning over 70 films and collaborations with some of the world’s most visionary directors.
From Michael Haneke (Austria), David Cronenberg (Canada), Olivier Assayas (France), Naomi Kawase (Japan), Krzysztof Kieślowski (Poland), and Hou Hsiao-hsien (Taiwan), Binoche has navigated cinema without borders, drawn to stories that challenge and inspire. Her award-winning role in Abbas Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy” (2010), which earned her the Best Actress prize at Cannes, remains a defining example of her ability to transcend cultures through art.
A Star Who Defies Conventions
A recipient of the industry’s highest honors—Oscar, BAFTA, César, and Best Actress awards from the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals—Binoche has never sought virtuosity for its own sake. Instead, she trusts in raw emotion and the truth of the moment. Her versatility is legendary, shifting effortlessly from the poetic intensity of “Camille Claudel 1915” to the comedic boldness of “Slack Bay”. Her artistry extends beyond film into television (“The Staircase,” “The New Look”), theater (Ivo van Hove), dance (Akram Khan), music (Alexandre Tharaud), and painting.
A Voice for Change
Beyond the screen, Binoche is an outspoken advocate for social and environmental causes. From championing human rights in Iran (she protested the imprisonment of Jafar Panahi at Cannes) to supporting the #MeToo movement and raising awareness of climate change, she uses her platform to amplify vital global issues. Now, as the newly appointed President of the European Film Academy, she continues to push for meaningful change in the industry.
Continuing a Legacy
Binoche’s presidency at Cannes follows in the footsteps of legendary women in cinema. Olivia de Havilland, who challenged the power of Hollywood’s studio system, was the first woman to serve as Jury President in 1965, followed by Sophia Loren in 1966. Sixty years later, Binoche carries this legacy forward, uniting the past and future of cinema in a momentous celebration of storytelling.
With her passion for cinema and unwavering dedication to truth in art, Juliette Binoche is set to lead the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the same brilliance that has defined her career.
By Cem Kaplan