Park Chan-wook to Lead Jury at 79th Cannes Film Festival

South Korean director Park Chan-wook has been appointed as the jury president for the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026. This marks a significant milestone as Park becomes the first Korean to hold this position in the festival's 79-year history. He succeeds French actor Juliette Binoche, who presided over the 2025 jury that awarded the Palme d’Or to Iranian director Jafar Panahi for his film "It Was Just an Accident."

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Park Chan-wook is renowned for his innovative storytelling and visual artistry, with notable works including "Oldboy," "The Handmaiden," and his latest film, "No Other Choice." His film "Oldboy," which premiered at Cannes in 2004, won the Grand Jury Prize and has since become a cult classic. Park has returned to Cannes multiple times, with films like "Thirst," which won the Jury Prize in 2009, and "Decision to Leave," which earned him the Best Director award in 2022. The festival's president, Iris Knobloch, and director, Thierry Frémaux, praised Park's ability to capture complex human emotions and his significant contributions to contemporary cinema.

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Cannes has a long-standing relationship with South Korean cinema, having previously recognized filmmakers such as Im Kwon-taek, who won Best Director for "Strokes of Fire" in 2002, and Bong Joon-ho, who won the Palme d’Or for "Parasite" in 2019. Park's presidency is seen as a celebration of this ongoing engagement with Korean filmmakers, highlighting the country's rich cinematic heritage. The festival has also spotlighted a new generation of South Korean directors, including Hong Sang-soo, Kim Ki-duk, and Lee Chang-dong, among others.

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In his statement regarding his new role, Park expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with cinema and its communal experience. He stated, “The theater is dark so that we may see the light of cinema. In this age of mutual hatred and division, I believe that the simple act of gathering in a theater to watch a single film together... is itself a moving and universal expression of solidarity.” This sentiment underscores the importance of film as a medium for connection and dialogue in contemporary society.

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While Park's appointment has been largely celebrated, some critics may question the representation of diverse voices within the jury and the festival's programming. However, no specific dissenting opinions have been reported in the sources.

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The official selection for the 79th Cannes International Film Festival will be announced in mid-April 2026, setting the stage for another year of cinematic celebration and competition. Park's leadership is anticipated to bring a unique perspective to the jury, further enriching the festival's legacy of honoring innovative filmmaking.

Variety Magazine