Following French actress Juliette Binoche’s appearance last year, it’s now the turn of South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook to take on a prestigious role: he will serve as President of the Jury at the upcoming 79th Cannes Film Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23, 2026. This marks a historic first for South Korean cinema.
With a career marked by 12 spectacular feature films that have established him as one of the most captivating figures in contemporary cinema, Park Chan-wook made a striking debut at Cannes in 2004 with Old Boy, which took home the Grand Prix. Since then, nearly all of his selections in Competition have earned him a place in the festival's history: including Thirst, (Winner of the Jury Prize in 2009), Mademoiselle in 2016, and more recently Decision to Leave (Best Director in 2022).
The South Korean director, screenwriter, and producer will have the daunting responsibility of presenting the Palme d'Or — along with the other awards — at the close of the festival, alongside a jury that has yet to be announced.
"The reason we sit in the dark in a movie theater is to better see the light of the work we're watching. The reason we retreat into that space is for our souls to be liberated through the window of the film. I look forward to sharing this dual act of voluntary captivity with the Jury members: being confined to watch a film, then confined to discuss it. In today’s world of hatred and division, I believe that simply gathering in a theater to watch a movie together—synchronizing our breathing and heartbeat—fosters a sense of solidarity that is both touching and universal." the main person involved stated following this announcement.
Cannes Film Festival 2026: The Latest News and Updates on the 79th Edition
The Cannes Film Festival makes its return to the Croisette for its 79th edition from May 12 to 23, 2026. Click here for the latest updates and news! [Read more]
Cannes Film Festival 2026: The Latest News and Updates on the 79th Edition
