Scarlett Johansson is ready to shine at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, both in front of and behind the camera. The celebrated actress will star in Wes Anderson’s highly anticipated film The Phoenician Scheme, which competes for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Johansson will also showcase her directorial talents with Eleanor the Great, a poignant film about an elderly woman grappling with the loss of her best friend, in the “Un Certain Regard” competition.
While the spotlight is on Johansson, Cannes organisers are making a firm statement about gender equality in the film industry. Festival President Iris Knobloch highlighted the festival’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices, noting that women are no longer “asking for their place” but are now “taking it.” However, the competition is still largely male-dominated, with just six films directed by women among the 20 in the main lineup.
This year’s festival is set to feature an impressive roster of talent, including Iranian director Jafar Panahi, Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, and American icon Richard Linklater. Panahi, who has faced repeated detentions, will present A Simple Accident while other notable directors like Ari Aster and Kelly Reichardt are also vying for recognition.
Cannes 2025 will also be a major moment for Hollywood stars, with Robert De Niro set to receive an honorary Palme d’Or, and Tom Cruise making waves with the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Last Mission.
The festival’s documentary section promises to captivate with Bono: Stories of Surrender and Orwell by Haitian director Raoul Peck. Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser will also feature with their powerful drama Once Upon a Time In Gaza, reflecting on friendship amidst the violence of the region.
Amid all the glamour, Cannes will also grapple with important issues. The French parliamentary inquiry into sexual abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry is a focal point, with MPs concluding that moral and sexual violence are deeply ingrained in the sector. The festival is set to be a key space for dialogue and change in the wake of the #MeToo movement, with the first trial of French film legend Gérard Depardieu coinciding with the opening of the festival.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival kicks off on May 13, promising a blend of star power, powerful storytelling, and an ongoing conversation about change in the industry.
