What To Expect From Cannes This Year in 2025?

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 13 to 24, 2025, promises a dynamic lineup featuring acclaimed directors and noteworthy debuts.

Major Films in Competition

This year’s main competition showcases a blend of auteur-driven cinema and emerging voices:

Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a meticulously crafted film e
Ari Aster presents Eddington, a western comedy featuring a stellar cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone.
Richard Linklater enters the competition with New Wave, marking his first appearance in Cannes’ main competition.
Kelly Reichardt brings The Mastermind, a Vietnam War drama, adding depth to the festival’s offerings.
Julia Ducournau returns with Alpha, following her Palme d’Or win for Titane.
Oliver Hermanus presents The History of Sound, a queer romance starring Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal.
Jafar Panahi competes with A Simple Accident, continuing his tradition of politically charged storytelling.
Joachim Trier returns with Sentimental Value, adding to the festival’s diverse narrative landscape.

Notably, this year marks a record with seven female directors featured in the official selection, highlighting Cannes’ commitment to diversity.

Un Certain Regard: New Voices and Bold Debuts

The Un Certain Regard section is set to spotlight fresh talent and innovative storytelling:

Kristen Stewart debuts as a director with The Chronology of Water, starring Imogen Poots.
Scarlett Johansson presents Eleanor the Great, her directorial debut featuring June Squibb and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Harris Dickinson introduces Urchin, a narrative centered on a homeless man in London.
Akinola Davies Jr. brings My Father’s Shadow, marking Nigeria’s first-ever official selection at Cannes.

Out-of-Competition Highlights

Cannes 2025 also features several high-profile out-of-competition screenings:

Tom Cruise returns with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
Spike Lee presents Highest 2 Lowest, adding to the festival’s diverse cinematic offerings.
Bono’s documentary Stories of Surrender will also be showcased, providing a musical interlude to the festival.

Jury and Special Honors

French actress Juliette Binoche will preside over the main competition jury, bringing her extensive experience to the festival’s adjudication.

Additionally, Robert De Niro is set to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema.

Fashion and Red Carpet Trends

Attendees can anticipate a blend of screenings, premieres, masterclasses, industry networking opportunities, and cultural events throughout the festival.