Dates, Lineup, Jury, and Everything You Need to Know
March 31, 2025 – Cannes Film Festival 2025 Guide
The 78th Cannes Film Festival is set to unfold from May 13 to May 24, 2025, bringing together the world’s most celebrated filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles on the iconic Croisette. With the official selection announcement scheduled for April 10, anticipation is building around which films will compete for the coveted Palme d’Or, which stars will grace the red carpet, and which emerging talents will make their mark.
This year’s festival promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with Juliette Binoche presiding over the Competition Jury, a strong lineup of returning auteurs, and buzzed-about premieres from both established and rising directors. From Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest to Ari Aster’s Eddington and Jim Jarmusch’s Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a cinematic feast.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about Cannes 2025:
Key Dates
- April 10, 2025 – Official Selection Announcement
- May 13, 2025 – Opening Night & First Competition Screenings
- May 24, 2025 – Closing Ceremony & Palme d’Or Award
Festival Structure
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is divided into several official and parallel sections, each showcasing different types of cinema:
🎥 Official Selection (Main Competitions & Sidebars)
In Competition – The most prestigious section, where films compete for the Palme d’Or.
Un Certain Regard – A platform for innovative and emerging filmmakers.
Out of Competition – High-profile films that screen but do not compete (often big studio or auteur-driven works).
Cannes Première – A space for established directors with films that don’t fit traditional competition criteria.
Midnight Screenings – Genre films (horror, thriller, action) for late-night audiences.
Special Screenings – Documentaries, experimental films, or politically charged works.
Cannes Classics – Restorations and retrospectives of classic cinema.
Cinéma de la Plage – Open-air screenings for the public.
Immersive Competition – Cannes’ groundbreaking 2nd edition showcases 8 pioneering XR/VR works, including Multiplayer VR narratives, Holographic storytelling and projection mapping installations, Works merging AI, mixed reality, and cinematic traditions. Curated to push boundaries, with 2024’s winner (“Remember This Place”) now exhibited at MoMA.
🎬 Parallel Sections
Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Cinéastes) – Independent and avant-garde cinema.
Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique) – Dedicated to first and second features.
ACID (Association for Independent Cinema) – Radical, low-budget films outside the mainstream.
The Jury & Major Figures
Jury President: Juliette Binoche
The Oscar-winning French actress (The English Patient, Three Colors: Blue) will lead the Competition Jury, following in the footsteps of Ruben Östlund (2023), Vincent Lindon (2022), and Spike Lee (2021).
Binoche is known for her discerning taste and deep appreciation of global cinema, making her an ideal president for a festival that prides itself on diversity. The full jury won’t be announced until April 10th.
Master of Ceremonies: Laurent Lafitte
The charismatic French actor (Elle, The Count of Monte-Cristo)—a familiar face at Cannes and host of the 2021 César Awards—will helm the festival’s opening and closing ceremonies. Known for his wit and elegance.
Rumored & Confirmed Films
Likely Competition Contenders
“Father, Mother, Sister, Brother” (Jim Jarmusch) – Confirmed – A three-part anthology starring Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, and Tom Waits.
“Eddington” (Ari Aster) – A dark Western comedy with Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal.
“Alpha” (Julia Ducournau) – The Titane director’s AIDS-era drama starring Golshifteh Farahani & Tahar Rahim.
“Die, My Love” (Lynne Ramsay) – A psychological drama with Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson.
“La Maison Maternelle” (Dardenne Brothers) – Their latest social realist drama, possibly a Palme d’Or three-peat attempt.
“The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” (Kirill Serebrennikov) – A historical thriller about the Nazi doctor’s escape.
“Miroirs No. 3″ (Christian Petzold) – The final chapter of his mysterious trilogy starring Paula Beer.
“The Love That Remains” (Hlynur Pálmason) – A family drama from the Godland director.
Out of Competition & Midnight Screenings
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (Christopher McQuarrie) – A potential blockbuster premiere.
“Bring Her Back” (Philippou Brothers) – A horror film from the Talk to Me directors.
“Honey Don’t” (Ethan Coen) – A wildcard Midnight entry.
Un Certain Regard Predictions
“The Doctor Says I’ll Be Alright, But I’m Feelin’ Blue” (Mascha Schilinski) – A German period drama.
“L’intérêt d’Adam” (Laura Wandel) – A Belgian social drama.
Beyond the Films: Industry & Events
Marché du Film – The world’s largest film market, where deals are struck.
The Marché du Film – Cannes’ powerhouse film market – expands in 2025 with groundbreaking initiatives. Brazil takes center stage as Country of Honour, celebrating 200 years of Franco-Brazilian relations through co-production forums and a Carnival-inspired opening gala. The newly launched Immersive Market aboard the Art Explora catamaran will showcase XR and AI-driven cinema, while Cannes Docs spotlights impactful documentaries and impACT pushes for sustainable, inclusive filmmaking. With attendance from 120 countries, the Marché remains where future classics are born – recall how Parasite’s 2019 deals started here.
Beyond deals, the Marché drives industry evolution. The Goes to Cannes program gives emerging talents direct access to distributors, while Brazil’s participation (following 26% growth in attendees) highlights its booming audiovisual sector. From doc-makers networking at Cannes Docs to tech pioneers demoing immersive storytelling on the Mediterranean, the 2025 Marché cements Cannes’ role as both cinema’s glamorous showcase and its most vital business hub – where artistic vision meets global market realities.
Cannes Films Festival Parties: The A-List Events
Opening Ceremony After-Party
Plage des Palmes | Hosted by Festival de Cannes
Brazilian carnival theme with Anitta rumored to perform
Chopard Gentlemen’s Night
Hôtel Martinez
Exclusive men’s luxury watch reveal with Clive Owen expected
Eva Longoria Global Gift Gala
May 19 | La Môme Plage
Benefiting women’s education | Tickets at GlobalGiftFoundation.org
Vanity Fair × Red Sea Film Festival: Women in Cinema Gala
Hôtel Eden Rock
Honoring industry leaders like Emerald Fennell (2024 honoree)
Chopard Annual Trophée Dinner & Party
Hôtel Martinez
Star-studded gala celebrating rising talents in Chopard jewels
Philipp Plein Fashion Show
La Jungle du Roi Villa
The designer’s signature high-energy runway show and afterparty
amfAR Gala + After-Party
May 22 | Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
WIBA Awards
May 23 | Hôtel Martinez
7th annual World Influencers and Bloggers Awards ceremony | Tickets at WIBA Awards 2025
VIP Cannes Film Festival Experience
Immerse yourself in the festival’s most exclusive moments with VIP access to the Opening Ceremony red carpet, world premieres, and the star-studded Closing Ceremony. Enjoy premium perks, including access to top photoshoot locations, professional makeup and hair styling, showrooms, and a full luxury experience.
For more details, availability, tickets, and arrangements, contact events@babble-up.com.
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