The Cannes Festival 2024 jury line-up

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the world of cinema, attracting industry professionals, filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the globe, along with a host of influencers in recent years. At the heart of this cinematic celebration is the jury, tasked with awarding prestigious prizes, including the famous Palme d'Or. This year, the 77th edition of the festival is no exception, with a jury consisting of nine members, mostly women, presided over by the eminent American director Greta Gerwig, who recently made headlines with “Barbie”.

A President of Prestige

At 40, Greta Gerwig, American director and screenwriter, stands as one of the most influential figures in contemporary cinema. She began her career as an actress, appearing in independent films, but it is as a writer and director that she has truly made her mark. Her debut feature film, "Lady Bird," a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama starring Saoirse Ronan, was a critical and commercial success, earning five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, it was "Barbie" that truly propelled her to international fame. This adaptation of the famous Mattel toy was a resounding success, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Her distinctive style, blending subtle humor, social observation, and exploration of human relationships, has earned her worldwide recognition as a leading director. In an interview with Variety, Gerwig expressed her excitement about presiding over the Cannes Film Festival jury: "It's an incredible honor to chair the Cannes Film Festival jury, an event that celebrates the best of world cinema. I'm looking forward to discovering the works of talented filmmakers and debating with my fellow jurors to recognize excellence in contemporary cinema." As the president of the Cannes Film Festival jury, Gerwig embodies, through her sensitivity and open-mindedness, the positive evolution of the global film industry, and she will also contribute to enriching the dialogue on diversity and inclusion.

An Eclectic and International Panel

Familiar faces and emerging talents have been brought together to evaluate the competing works, each bringing their own experience and unique perspective to the discussion. Among them are renowned French actors such as Eva Green and Omar Sy. Eva Green, famous for her performances in films ranging from "The Dreamers" and "Kingdom of Heaven" to "Casino Royale," has also shone in memorable roles in French cinema, such as "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Arsène Lupin." On the other hand, Omar Sy, moving from various roles from small to big screen to Hollywood roles, represents the brilliance and diversity of contemporary French cinema. He gained international recognition with his role in "Intouchables," which earned him global acclaim, enduring fame, and a special place in the hearts of the French. Alongside them are figures such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, the Japanese director who won the Palme d'Or in 2018, and Pierfrancesco Favino, the talented Italian actor. Kore-eda is known for his delicate and moving films such as "Nobody Knows" and "Shoplifters," which have captivated audiences worldwide. Favino, on the other hand, has distinguished himself in films such as "Romanzo Criminale" and "The Traitor," establishing his reputation as a versatile and talented actor in Italian cinema. Cultural diversity is also represented by personalities such as Nadine Labaki, the award-winning Lebanese director, Ebru Ceylan, the Turkish screenwriter and photographer, as well as Juan Antonio Bayona, the acclaimed Spanish director. Labaki is recognized for her social commitment through her films, including "Caramel" and "Capernaum," which have received praise for their exploration of Middle Eastern realities. Bayona, on the other hand, has impressed audiences with films such as "The Orphanage" and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," demonstrating his talent for creating immersive and captivating cinematic worlds. Finally, a unique voice is heard in the jury: that of Lily Gladstone, a Native American actress revealed through Martin Scorsese, notably the first Native American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”