Park Chan‑Wook to Lead 2026 Cannes Jury

The 79th Cannes Film Festival, set for May 12–23, will be guided by South Korean director Park Chan‑Wook as jury president. He joins the ranks of past leaders such as Juliette Binoche, who chaired 2025’s jury when Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received the Palme d’Or after a fifteen‑year absence. Festival heads Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux praised Park’s imaginative style, noting how his films capture the complex lives of both men and women. They highlighted Korea’s cinematic influence, which has produced international successes like Bong Joon‑ho’s “Parasite” and Im Kwon‑taek’s early award wins. Park first appeared on Cannes’ competition stage with “Oldboy” in 2004, earning the Grand Jury Prize. He followed up with “Thirst, ” “The Handmaiden, ” and most recently “Decision to Leave, ” where he secured the Best Director award. His body of work reflects a blend of visual flair and moral depth, drawing comparisons to filmmakers such as Tarantino, De Palma, and Fincher.When asked about the role, Park spoke of cinema as a shared sanctuary that brings people together despite differences. He emphasized how watching and discussing films in a theater can unite hearts and minds, offering solace amid global tensions. Cannes highlighted the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on Park’s early career, citing “Vertigo” as a turning point. Elements from Hitchcock’s films surface in Park’s later projects, including “Stoker” and “Decision to Leave. ” The festival also mentioned his upcoming feature “No Other Choice, ” released in 2025. Park’s appointment marks the first time a Korean has led Cannes’ jury, following Japan’s Tetsurō Furukaki in 1962 and Hong Kong’s Wong Kar‑wai in 2006. It signals the festival’s continued recognition of Korea’s growing cinematic prominence, from early directors like Im Kwon‑taek to contemporary stars such as Jeon Do‑yeon and Song Kang‑ho. The full lineup for the 79th edition will be announced in mid‑April, though the exact date remains to be confirmed.