In a landmark announcement for international cinema, festival organisers confirmed on Thursday that visionary Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will serve as the president of the jury for the upcoming 79th Cannes Film Festival. This prestigious appointment marks the first time a Korean director has been selected to lead the jury that awards the coveted Palme d'Or, the festival's highest honour.
A Storied History with Cannes
Park Chan-wook is no stranger to the Croisette. His profound relationship with the Cannes Film Festival began in 2004 when his iconic film Oldboy secured the Grand Prix, the festival's second-place award. This early recognition cemented his status on the global stage.
His success at Cannes continued to flourish over the years. In 2009, his vampire thriller Thirst earned him the Jury Prize. More recently, in 2022, he was awarded the Best Director prize for his critically acclaimed romantic thriller Decision to Leave. This consistent acclaim underscores his significant and enduring contribution to contemporary filmmaking.
Festival Leadership Applauds the Appointment
In a joint statement, festival president Iris Knobloch and artistic director Thierry Frémaux expressed their immense enthusiasm for Park's new role. They highlighted his unique cinematic voice, stating, "Park Chan-wook's inventiveness, visual mastery, and penchant for capturing the multiple impulses of women and men with strange destinies have given contemporary cinema some truly memorable moments."
The statement further elaborated, "We are delighted to celebrate his immense talent and, more broadly, the cinema of a country deeply engaged with the questioning of our time." This sentiment reflects not only admiration for Park's individual artistry but also a recognition of South Korea's vibrant and influential film industry.
Following in Prestigious Footsteps
Park Chan-wook succeeds the esteemed French actress Juliette Binoche, who presided over the 2025 jury. That year saw the Palme d'Or awarded to Jafar Panahi's film It Was Just an Accident. The legacy of Korean excellence at Cannes is further bolstered by Park's compatriot, Bong Joon Ho, who won the Palme d'Or in 2019 for his groundbreaking film Parasite.
Recent Acclaim and Festival Details
Park's most recent work, the dark satirical film No Other Choice, continues to garner attention. The film, which explores the desperate measures of an unemployed family man, was selected as South Korea's official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Although it did not receive a nomination, it was named one of the best films of 2025 by The Associated Press, affirming its critical success.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12th to May 23rd. All eyes will now be on Park Chan-wook as he leads the distinguished jury in evaluating the world's finest cinematic offerings, continuing his remarkable journey with one of the film industry's most celebrated institutions.
