Everything you need to know about the Cannes Film Festival 2025

The 78th Cannes Film Festival will kick off in just a few hours in the South of France, returning the spotlight to the Croisette, the elegant waterfront that has become synonymous with luxury and world cinema.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, celebrating filmmakers and artistic talents every year. This year, more than 15 films are competing for the Palme d'Or in the Official Selection section, amidst an atmosphere packed with distinguished filmgoers from around the world.

The official opening of the festival: an anticipated date at the Grand Lumière Theatre The festival's opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday evening, May 13, 2025, at the Grand Lumière Theatre at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, where fans will wait for the stars to walk the red carpet at 7:15 p.m. Paris time.

The ceremony will last for an hour before the opening film begins amidst a festive atmosphere. French actor Laurent Lafitte, 51, has been selected to host the opening ceremony, as well as the closing ceremony scheduled for May 24, succeeding Camille Cottin.

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Juliette Binoche to preside over jury at extraordinary session In a move that reflects the festival's celebration of cinematic icons, French star Juliette Binoche will head the 2025 Cannes Film Festival jury. Binoche, who won an Academy Award for her role in The English Patient in 1997, is considered one of the most prominent icons of French cinema, following in the footsteps of previous jury presidents such as Greta Gerwig and Sophia Loren. She is expected to add her artistic touch to the jury's decisions during this edition, which hosts a selection of the year's most prominent films.

Exceptional Tributes: De Niro and Kidman in the Spotlight The opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival will honor legendary American star Robert De Niro, who will be awarded the Honorary Palme d'Or for his lifetime achievement.

This honor comes 14 years after he chaired the festival's jury, and just before the 50th anniversary of his film Taxi Driver winning the Palme d'Or in 1976. The 2025 edition also celebrates Australian actress Nicole Kidman, who will receive the Women in Action Award at a special ceremony on May 18, in recognition of her contributions to women's empowerment in and outside of cinema, in partnership with Kering.