Cannes Film Festival 2025: What to Expect from the Star-Studded Spectacle
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Every spring, the cinematic world turns its gaze to the Cannes Film Festival, a beacon of artistry, storytelling, and international prestige. As the red carpet rolls out on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival 2025, an electric mix of glamour, powerful premieres, and pressing social conversations is set to unfold.
From A-list celebrities making directorial debuts to gripping documentaries on global issues, this year’s festival promises more than just glitz. Whether you’re a cinephile, industry insider, or curious viewer, here are the top things to look out for at Cannes this year.
1. Early Look at 2025 Oscar Contenders
Cannes continues to be a springboard for Oscar buzz, with last year’s Palme d’Or winner Anora ultimately clinching Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This year, expectations are sky-high once again.
The jury, led by acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche, includes stars like Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong. Among the top contenders for the Palme d’Or:
- Jennifer Lawrence teams up with Robert Pattinson in Die My Love, directed by Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay.
- Josh O’Connor, known from The Crown and Challengers, features in The History of Sound and The Mastermind.
- Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme dazzles with a stellar cast including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Riz Ahmed.
- Eddington, a pandemic-era dark comedy Western, sees Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone in leading roles.
- Richard Linklater’s homage to the French New Wave, Nouvelle Vague, reimagines the creation of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless.
2. Actors Turned Directors: A New Wave of Filmmaking
Cannes 2025 is showcasing a new generation of actor-directors, many premiering their work in the Un Certain Regard section:
- Scarlett Johansson steps behind the lens with Eleanor the Great, a touching story about a 94-year-old woman unexpectedly cast into fame.
- Kristen Stewart offers The Chronology of Water, a personal adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir.
- Harris Dickinson, known for Triangle of Sadness, debuts Urchin, chronicling the struggles of a homeless man in London.
This shift toward directing reflects a larger movement in Hollywood where actors are expanding their creative influence.
3. Legendary Names and High-Profile Premieres
Cannes wouldn’t be Cannes without its legendary stars. This year, Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d’Or, celebrating his decades of cinematic impact.
- Spike Lee returns with Highest 2 Lowest, his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington, offering a New York take on Kurosawa’s High and Low.
- Jodie Foster stars in the French-language comedy Vie Privée, playing a psychiatrist unraveling a mysterious patient death.
- And yes, Tom Cruise is expected to attend the premiere of the final Mission: Impossible film, igniting fan excitement across the Riviera.
4. Powerful Documentaries of GAZA
Documentaries have taken center stage at Cannes 2025, exploring everything from political upheaval to musical legends:
- Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk tells the heartbreaking story of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, killed in Gaza.
- Once Upon a Time in Gaza by twin directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser brings Palestinian voices to Un Certain Regard.
- The Six-Billion-Dollar Man, a long-awaited documentary on Julian Assange, adds a layer of controversy after being pulled from Sundance.
- Other features spotlight figures like Bono and George Orwell, blending pop culture and historical commentary.
5. #MeToo, Politics, and Cultural Commentary
Beyond the screens, Cannes 2025 is grappling with significant cultural issues. The verdict in Gérard Depardieu’s sexual assault case has already cast a shadow over the festival’s opening. The French Parliament has condemned “endemic” abuse in the film industry, a topic likely to echo throughout the event.
Adding to the tension, U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films could disrupt international film trade. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati responded by warning that such policies would ultimately hurt the American industry more than France’s.
Expect stars and industry leaders to use the red carpet as a platform to speak out—not just about film, but about freedom, justice, and creative independence.
Final Thoughts
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 promises a captivating blend of storytelling, activism, and star power. With award season hopefuls, bold debuts from actor-directors, and urgent global narratives, Cannes reaffirms its place as the heartbeat of international cinema. Whether you’re watching from the Croisette or from home, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
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