The 79th Cannes Film Festival has begun to gain traction, and this year’s jury, led by Park Chan-wook, is one of the major reasons why. Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Chloé Zhao, and Stellan Skarsgård are among the other members who are part of the panel. Each year, the Cannes Film Festival brings together a star-studded jury packed with star power and artistic credibility, which decides the winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or. 

Last year, Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident took home the award. This year, the festival has added long-deserving names to the jury lineup. So, here is a look at the nine-member jury for this year.

Park Chan-wook: Park Chan-wook is no stranger to the Cannes Film Festival, having won honors for his directorial masterpieces Oldboy, Thirst, and Decision to Leave. Unsurprisingly, he was selected as the jury president this year, becoming the first South Korean filmmaker to lead the Cannes jury. He takes over the position from Juliette Binoche.

Chloé Zhao: Chloé Zhao, who directed the award-winning movie, Hamnet, is also part of the jury. The Chinese director is the second woman to win an Academy Award for best director.  

Diego Céspedes: Céspedes is a Chilean film director and screenwriter. He is well known for his debut feature, The Summer of the Electric Lion, which won the Cinéfondation prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.  

Laura Wandel: Belgian filmmaker and screenwriter Laura Wandel is another notable addition to the jury. Her debut feature film, Playground, premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Caméra d'Or and won the FIPRESCI Prize.  

Paul Laverty: Laverty is an Irish-Scottish screenwriter best known for his contribution (alongside Ken Loach) to Palme d'Or-winning film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Demi Moore: Golden Globe award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, Demi Moore joined the lineup following her recent success with the body horror film The Substance. 

Ruth Negga: Another member of the jury is the Academy Award-nominated actress, Negga. The Irish actress is known for her roles in Passing, Isolation, Breakfast on Pluto, and Warcraft.

Isaach De Bankolé: Bankolé is an Ivorian actor, well known for his roles in Black Mic Mac and Chocolat.

Stellan Skarsgård: The Golden Globe award-winning actor is also part of the jury. He is well known for his roles in Good Will Hunting and King Arthur.

Much like its prestigious jury members, the Cannes Film Festival lineup this year also features a unique mix of films. Several independent projects, titles from acclaimed directors, and works by emerging talents are set to premiere at the festival, while some will be competing for the Palme d’Or honor. So, here is a close look at the 2026 lineup.

All Of A Sudden

Another Day

The Beloved

The Birthday Party

Bitter Christmas

La Bola Negra

Coward

The Dreamed Adventure

Fjord

Fatherland

Hope

The Man I Love

Gentle Monster

A Man Of His Time

Minotaur

Moulin

Nagi Notes

Paper Tiger

Parallel Tales

Sheep In The Box

The Unknown

A Woman’s Life

Crescendo

De Gaulle: Tilting Iron

Diamond

The Electric Kiss

Forsaken

Her Private Hell

Karma

Like every year, the 79th Cannes Film Festival features a diverse jury and film lineup that pulls in global attention to the otherwise peaceful French Riviera. And actors and filmmakers from around the world are set to arrive in Cannes this May. Now, all that remains is the race for the Palme d’Or, memorable standing ovations, and a major celebration of filmmaking and talent. 

‘Bitter Christmas’: Release Date, Cast, Plot and All About the Cannes Frontrunner by Pedro Almodóvar

What do you think about this year's Cannes Film Festival jury? Let us know in the comments.