Dates, Lineup, Jury, and Everything You Need to Know
April 8, 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
- 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.
Honorary Palme D’or for Lifetime Achievement
Film legend Robert De Niro will be honored with an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025. This recognition comes 14 years after De Niro served as the President of the Jury at the 2011 festival. The American actor, director, and producer will be celebrated at the 78th edition of the festival and will meet festival-goers at a special masterclass on May 14, held on the stage of the iconic Salle Debussy.
Films In Competition
Opening film:
“Partir Un Jour“ (Amélie BONNIN) 1st film- Out of Comp– Dramatic comedy follows Cécile, who is about to open her own gastronomic restaurant in Paris, fulfilling her lifelong dream.
“The Phoenician Scheme“ (Wes Anderson)– Staring Tom Hank, Scarlett Johansson and Bryan Cranston
“Jeunes Mères” (Jean-Pierre and Luc DARDENNE) – Five teenage mothers—Jessica, Perla, Julie, Ariane, and Naïma—live in a maternity home, hoping for a better future for themselves and their children.
“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.
“Renoir ” (Chie Hayakawa) – Acclaimed director Chie Hayakawa weaves an emotional and poignant coming-of-age story about resilience, the healing power of the imagination and a traumatized family struggling for connection.
“The History of Sound” (Oliver Hermanus) – A profound exploration of sound and memory, weaving past and present through the art of sound engineering.
“La Petite Dernière” (Hafsia Herzi) – A heartfelt drama about motherhood and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of family and personal growth.
“Sirat” (Oliver Laxe) – A gripping tale of a young woman’s journey of survival and identity amidst the unforgiving terrain of Morocco.
“New Wave” (Richard Linklater) – An audacious narrative that challenges the boundaries of cinema, blending nostalgia with the ever-evolving future of filmmaking.
“Two Prosecutors” (Sergei Loznitsa) – A political thriller that delves into the intricate world of justice and power, navigating the complexities of legal and moral truths.
“Fuori“(Mario Martone) – An intense drama set in the heart of Italy, unraveling the untold stories of the country’s hidden struggles.
“O Secreto Agente” (The Secret Agent) (Kleber Mendonça Filho) – A tense espionage thriller, revealing the shadowy lives of secret agents amidst political unrest.
“Dossier 137” (Dominik Moll) – A chilling mystery exploring the secrets of a high-stakes investigation, shrouded in suspicion and intrigue.
“Un Simple Accident” (Jafar Panahi) – A poignant look at the unintended consequences of a simple accident, exploring themes of fate, regret, and redemption.
“The Mastermind” (Kelly Reichardt) – A captivating study of ambition and deception, following a mastermind who orchestrates the perfect crime.
“Aigles of the Republic” (Tarik Saleh) – A sweeping historical drama set against a turbulent backdrop, examining the rise and fall of a legendary political figure.
“Sound of Falling” (Mascha Schilinski) – An evocative and atmospheric film about the fleeting nature of love and loss, told through poetic imagery and sound.
“Roméria” (Carla Simón) – A lyrical journey into the heart of a rural community, exploring the deep connections between tradition, culture, and personal identity.
“Sentimental Value” (Joachim Trier) – A nuanced exploration of family dynamics, memory, and the weight of the past in a modern-day Scandinavian setting.
Out of Competition & Midnight Screenings
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (Christopher McQuarrie) – The highly anticipated American film will be presented Out of Competition at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. On Wednesday, May 14, actor and producer Tom Cruise, his long-time collaborator, director and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, and the cast will walk the steps of the Palais des Festivals.
“Colours of Time“ (Cédric Klapisch) – A vivid exploration of life, art, and the moments that shape us, where time and memory intertwine in unexpected ways.
“La Femme la Plus Riche du Monde“ (Thierry Klifa) – Starring Isabelle Huppert and Laurent Laurent Lafitte – A compelling drama about wealth, power, and desire, centered on a woman whose fortune masks deeper complexities.
“Vie Privée“ (Rebecca Zlotowski) – A haunting reflection on privacy and exposure, as personal lives are dissected in an age of relentless media scrutiny.
Special Screening
“Stories of Surrender“ (Bono) – A deeply personal journey through memory, music, and meaning, as the U2 frontman strips it all back in a raw, one-man show.
“Tell Her That I Love Her” (Romane Bohringer) – A tender, offbeat portrait of love and longing, where emotion unfolds in bursts of poetry and everyday chaos.
“A Magnificent Life” (Sylvain Chomet) – A whimsical, melancholic ode to art and aging, told with Chomet’s signature blend of fantasy, humor, and visual flair.
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
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning World Premiere
May 14 | Grand Théâtre Lumière
Tom Cruise returns to Cannes for the explosive finale, with red carpet fireworks expected
Grace Kelly Gala Night
May 14 | Carlton Hotel, Grand Salon
Chopard Annual Trophée Dinner & Party
May 16 | Hôtel Martinez
Star-studded gala celebrating rising talents in Chopard jewels
Eva Longoria Global Gift Gala
May 19 | La Môme Plage
Benefiting women’s education | Tickets at GlobalGiftFoundation.org
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
Orion Star Awards — Babble-Up, Strategic Partner
May 23 | Villa Le Parc, Mougins
WIBA Awards
May 23 | Hôtel Martinez
7th annual World Influencers and Bloggers Awards ceremony
VIP Cannes Film Festival Experience
Immerse yourself in the festival’s most exclusive moments with VIP access to the 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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