Lebanese Filmmaker Nadine Labaki to Serve as Jury Member at Cannes Film Festival
The prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival is set to take place from May 14 to 25, with jury president Greta Gerwig announcing that Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki will be one of the esteemed jury members.
Star-Studded Jury Lineup
Joining Labaki on the jury panel are Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, US actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu, and French actor-producer Omar Sy.
The Quest for the Palme d’Or
The jury’s main task will be to award the coveted Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films competing for the prestigious honor.
A History with Cannes
Labaki, known for her award-winning film “Capernaum,” has a long-standing relationship with Cannes. She began her journey with the festival in 2004, developing her first feature, “Caramel,” at the Cinéfoundation Residency. Subsequently, her films “Where do We Go Now?” and “Capernaum” premiered at Cannes, showcasing her talent on an international platform.
Labaki’s Impact on the Industry
Labaki’s work has garnered international recognition, with “Capernaum” receiving nominations for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. She made history as the first woman from the Arab world to achieve this feat.
Returning to Cannes
Labaki previously served as the president of the Un Certain Regard jury at Cannes in 2018, marking another milestone in her career. Despite her success, Labaki remains humble and empathetic towards fellow filmmakers, emphasizing the challenges and vulnerabilities they face in the industry.
Diverse Jury Panel
In addition to Labaki, Moroccan director Asmae El-Moudir will be part of the Un Certain Regard jury at this year’s festival. The panel also includes talents such as Maïmouna Doucouré, Vicky Krieps, and Todd McCarthy, with Xavier Dolan as the jury president.
Celebrating Emerging Filmmakers
The Un Certain Regard jury will focus on recognizing emerging auteurs and art films, providing a platform for new voices in cinema. The team will evaluate a selection of 18 works, including debut films, to award prizes in this category.