Cannes 2025 Delivers Drama
Cannes Film Festival 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride on the Croisette, with star-studded red carpets, boundary-pushing films, and a lineup that blends legendary directors with exciting newcomers. Whether you're in it for the Oscars race, the fashion, or just some cinematic gossip, this year’s fest is juicier than ever.
Opening the Fest: Motherhood Madness & Star Power
“Die My Love,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, is already sending shockwaves down the Riviera. Lawrence plays a new mother unraveling mentally while her oblivious husband (Pattinson) tries to keep it together. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s acclaimed novel and directed by Lynne Ramsay, this psychological pressure cooker opens the official competition with a bang.
Blockbusters, Bombshells & Bizarre Brilliance
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Wes Anderson returns with “The Phoenician Scheme,” a whimsical caper featuring Benicio Del Toro, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and more Anderson-verse faves. Expect pastels, deadpan dialogue, and symmetrical frames galore.
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Spike Lee drops “Highest 2 Lowest” (inspired by Kurosawa’s High and Low), starring Denzel Washington as a music mogul caught in a ransom plot. Though it’s playing out of competition, it's still a must-watch—and headed to Apple TV+ in September.
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Tom Cruise lands once again with “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” but this time, the stunts aren’t competing for a Palme. Still, the Croisette will surely erupt when Cruise hits town.
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Ari Aster makes his Cannes debut with “Eddington,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in a twisted tale blending AIDS-era tension with a pandemic backdrop. One to watch (through your fingers).
Tom Cruise
Who’s Gunning for the Palme d’Or?
The competition slate is dazzling—and refreshingly diverse:
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Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind,” a period heist with Josh O’Connor
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Joachim Trier and Renate Reinsve reunite in “Sentimental Value”
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Jafar Panahi returns with “A Simple Accident”
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Oliver Hermanus directs Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor in “The History of Sound”
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Julia Ducournau, back with “Alpha,” reportedly another body horror bombshell
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Mascha Schilinski’s buzzy debut “Sound of Falling,” exploring intergenerational trauma
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Carla Simón, Sergei Loznitsa, and Cannes legends the Dardennes brothers round out the heavy hitters
Notably, seven women directors are in the competition—more than ever before, reflecting Cannes’ slow but steady shift toward gender parity.
Related: Cannes or Can’t? The Film Festival’s Wild Wardrobe Rules
Rising Stars & First-Time Filmmakers
In Un Certain Regard, keep eyes peeled for:
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Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut “The Chronology of Water”
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Scarlett Johansson’s “Eleanor The Great,” starring June Squibb
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Harris Dickinson’s gritty London-set “Urchin”
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“My Father’s Shadow,” the first-ever Nigerian film in Cannes’ official selection
Kristen Stewart
Politics fused with Passion
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Nadav Lapid tackles the Israel-Hamas conflict in “Yes!”
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Sepideh Farsi brings poignant power with “Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk,” honoring war documentarian Fatima Hassouna, recently killed in Gaza.
And on the sidelines? Festival buzz is bubbling around Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films. Could this impact global cinema’s biggest playground? The Cannes marketplace is nervously watching.
All Eyes on the Jury
Presided over by Juliette Binoche, and joined by Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, this year’s jury will choose from 22 fierce contenders. Who’ll take home the Palme d’Or on May 24?
Related: The Most Influential Film Directors of All Time: Icons Who Changed Cinema Forever
How Films Are Selected at Cannes
Getting a film into the Cannes lineup is a rigorous, curated process. Films are submitted months in advance and reviewed by the festival’s selection committee. Each year, thousands of submissions from around the world are considered for categories including:
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Official Competition – The main event, featuring films vying for the Palme d’Or.
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Un Certain Regard – Focused on innovation and emerging voices.
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Out of Competition – Major premieres not competing for awards.
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Cinéfondation & Short Films – Highlighting student and short film work.
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Directors' Fortnight & Critics' Week – Independent sections showcasing bold storytelling.
Selection criteria include originality, artistic vision, directorial execution, and relevance to contemporary social or political themes.
