Park Chan‑Wook to Lead 2026 Cannes Jury

Dates: May 12–23
Jury President: Park Chan‑Wook (South Korea)

A New Chapter for Cannes

The 79th edition of the world‑famous festival will be steered by Park Chan‑Wook, a director whose work is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and moral complexity. His appointment follows the historic leadership of figures such as Juliette Binoche (2025) and marks the first time a Korean has presided over Cannes’ jury.

Festival Leaders Praise Park

• Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux highlighted Park’s imaginative style, noting how his films explore the intricate lives of men and women.
• They emphasized Korea’s growing influence on global cinema, citing successes like Bong Joon‑ho’s Parasite and early award wins by Im Kwon‑taek.

Park’s Cannes Legacy

His body of work draws comparisons to Tarantino, De Palma, and Fincher for its visual flair and ethical depth.

Vision for Cinema

In an interview, Park described cinema as a shared sanctuary that unites people across differences. He stressed the power of communal viewing and discussion to bring solace amid global tensions.

Hitchcock’s Influence

Cannes noted that Alfred Hitchcock shaped Park’s early career, especially through Vertigo. Elements of Hitchcock’s style appear in later works such as Stoker and Decision to Leave. The festival also mentioned Park’s forthcoming feature, “No Other Choice” (2025).

A Milestone for Korean Cinema

• First Korean jury president at Cannes.
• Preceded by Japan’s Tetsurō Furukaki (1962) and Hong Kong’s Wong Kar‑wai (2006).
• Reflects Korea’s rising prominence from early directors like Im Kwon‑taek to contemporary stars Jeon Do‑yeon and Song Kang‑ho.

Upcoming Lineup

The full program for the 79th edition will be announced in mid‑April. The exact release date is still pending.