The 78th Cannes Film Festival, held from May 13 to 24, 2025, has been a vibrant celebration of global cinema, highlighting emerging talents, bold directorial debuts, and poignant storytelling.
Opening Night & Honors
The festival commenced with the premiere of Leave One Day, a romantic musical directed by Amélie Bonnin. Notably, this marked the first time a directorial debut opened the festival. The film follows a rising chef who returns to her hometown after her father’s heart attack, rekindling past relationships and passions.
In a momentous tribute, Robert De Niro received the Honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony, presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, celebrating De Niro’s illustrious career in cinema.
Standout Films & Directorial Debuts
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, has garnered critical acclaim. The film presents an unflinching portrayal of trauma, identity, and self-expression, with Imogen Poots delivering a powerful performance. Stewart’s avant-garde approach employs 16mm film and disjointed imagery to convey psychological depth.
Actor Harris Dickinson made a striking directorial debut with Urchin, featured in the Un Certain Regard section. The film delves into the life of a drug-addicted homeless man in London, blending gritty realism with surreal visuals to explore themes of recovery and internal struggle.
Celebrated Screenings
The documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender received a rousing 6½-minute standing ovation at its premiere. The film offers an intimate look into the life and career of U2’s frontman, Bono, highlighting his journey as a global music icon and humanitarian.
Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague premiered in the main competition, portraying the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless and the dynamics of the French New Wave cinema.
Emerging Voices
The festival spotlighted new perspectives with films like La Petite Dernière by Hafsia Herzi, exploring the identity of a young Muslim lesbian in contemporary France, and Renoir by Chie Hayakawa, depicting an 11-year-old girl’s journey through grief in 1980s Tokyo. Both films exemplify the generational shift in auteur cinema, bringing fresh narratives to the forefront.
Red Carpet & Jury
The red carpet dazzled with appearances by stars such as Julia Garner, Eva Longoria, and Bella Hadid. Serving on the jury this year are notable figures including Halle Berry, Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong, and Leila Slimani, who are also actively participating in various premieres and screenings.
As the festival continues, audiences and critics alike eagerly anticipate the announcement of this year’s award winners, celebrating the diverse and dynamic voices that define contemporary cinema.