The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled the jury composition for its 79th edition. Around Park Chan-wook, nine personalities from world cinema, with no French representative.
The jury of the official competition of the 79th Cannes Film Festival was announced this Monday, May 4, 2026. The list brings together nine figures from international cinema tasked with awarding the Palme d’Or among the 22 films in competition. One notable absence on the Croisette: no French person appears in this selection.
The presidency goes to South Korean director, screenwriter and producer Park Chan-wook. This filmmaker’s career remains linked to the festival. “Old Boy” won the Grand Prix in 2004. “Thirst, This Is My Blood” received the Jury Prize in 2009. “Decision to Leave” was awarded for direction in 2022. A work marked by tales of vengeance and a claimed influence from Alfred Hitchcock, with refined visual style and dark universes.
Alongside him, American actress and producer Demi Moore joins the jury. Her career includes roles in “Ghost,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Indecent Proposal.” Her recent participation in “The Substance” was noted at the 2024 edition of the festival, with a screenplay prize for the film. Several international nominations and awards had accompanied this performance.
Actress and producer Ruth Negga also appears in this selection. An Oscar nomination followed her role in “Loving,” presented in competition at Cannes in 2016. Her career has developed between cinema, television and theater, with performances on stages in Dublin and New York.
Belgian director Laura Wandel is also part of the jury. “A World,” her first feature film, was presented at Cannes in 2021 in the Un Certain Regard section. The film received the FIPRESCI prize and several distinctions at the César Awards. Her work is centered on a realistic and immersive approach.
Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao completes this group. “Nomadland” won the Oscar for best film and best direction. A filmography that also includes “The Rider” and “The Eternals.” A trajectory marked by independent productions and studio projects.
A last-minute replacement
Chilean director Diego Céspedes joins the jury after winning a Un Certain Regard Prize in 2025 for “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo.” His work focuses on intimate and political narratives, developed in several international festivals.
Actor Isaach De Bankolé brings experience between French cinema and international productions. His career has been marked by collaborations with Jim Jarmusch and Claire Denis, as well as roles in “Black Panther” and “Casino Royale.”
Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty is also part of the jury. A long-term collaboration with Ken Loach resulted in two Palmes d’Or, “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” and “I, Daniel Blake.” His career has been recognized by several distinctions at international festivals.
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård completes the composition. A career between auteur cinema and mainstream productions, with roles in “Breaking the Waves,” “Melancholia,” and “Chernobyl.” He was notably recognized for his recent appearance in “Sentimental Value,” Grand Prix in 2025 at Cannes.
According to American magazine “Variety,” Jacob Elordi was supposed to join this jury. A foot injury reportedly led to his withdrawal at the last minute.
The awards will be revealed on May 23 2026 at the closing ceremony. We will then know who will succeed A Simple Accident which won the prestigious distinction last year. The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 12 to 23 2026, with a broadcast planned by France Télévisions in France and Brut internationally.
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