The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is set to dazzle the French Riviera, with Hollywood stars, potential Oscar contenders, and crucial industry discussions taking center stage. Here are the top five things to look out for during this prestigious event.
1. First Glimpse at Next Year’s Oscar Contenders
In recent years, Cannes has become a primary launchpad for films that go on to dominate the Oscars. This year’s lineup includes Jennifer Lawrence in Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love and Josh O’Connor in The History of Sound. With Cannes producing several Best Picture nominees in the last few years, the festival continues to be a key player in shaping the Academy Awards. Learn more about the Oscars.
English actor Josh O’Connor – known for portraying a tennis player in Challengers and Prince Charles in The Crown – stars in two films in competition, including The History of Sound opposite Paul Mescal, and The Mastermind, playing an amateur art thief.
Wes Anderson’s new film The Phoenician Scheme has the most star-studded line-up at Cannes this year, with Johansson, Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks and Benedict Cumberbatch all featuring, as well as Riz Ahmed, Bryan Cranston and Richard Ayoade.
Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone appear in Eddington, a pandemic-era dark comedy Western from Ari Aster.
Director Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague is described as telling the story of the making of Jean Luc Godard’s 1960 classic Breathless, in the same style and spirit as the original.
If you’re interested in understanding Cannes’ impact on Hollywood, check out our previous article on how Cannes films shape Oscar races.
2. Hollywood Stars Becoming Directors
Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic roles in Black Widow and Marriage Story, makes her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, showcasing her multi-faceted talents. Also, Kristen Stewart will premiere her directorial work, The Chronology of Water, adapting Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. To explore more about Johansson’s career, check out this article from IndieWire.
For insights into how actors transition to directors, read our detailed analysis in actors who successfully became directors.
3. Big Names in the Spotlight
Hollywood legends such as Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington will receive accolades and premieres at Cannes. De Niro will collect the honorary Palme d’Or, while Washington reunites with Spike Lee for Highest 2 Lowest, a thrilling reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low. You can read more about De Niro’s Cannes tribute on Cannes’ official website.
If you’re a fan of Spike Lee and Washington’s work together, don’t miss our post on their best collaborations.
4. Gaza Documentaries
This year, Cannes brings attention to powerful documentaries, including Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, which chronicles the life and tragic death of Palestinian war photojournalist Fatima Hassouna. Once Upon a Time in Gaza by Tarzan and Arab Nasser will also be featured, addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. For a deeper understanding of Gaza’s impact on cinema, visit The New York Times’ coverage.
Explore how documentaries shape our understanding of conflict in our piece on documentaries about global conflict.
5. #MeToo and More
The issue of sexual violence in the film industry remains in the spotlight, especially after the recent verdict in Gérard Depardieu’s sexual assault trial. As Cannes opens its doors, the controversy surrounding Depardieu and other accused celebrities adds another layer of complexity to the festival’s proceedings. Read more about Depardieu’s trial and its implications on BBC News.
For more on how #MeToo has impacted the entertainment industry, read our article on the impact of #MeToo on Hollywood.
The red carpet is set to be an exciting blend of glamour and activism, with pressing industry issues like US President Donald Trump’s 100% tariffs on foreign films likely to spark heated debate. Stay updated with Cannes 2025 on the official Cannes news page.
Conclusion
As Cannes 2025 kicks off, it promises to be a festival to remember, from cinematic triumphs to powerful social movements. Whether you’re interested in the latest Oscar buzz, the evolution of Hollywood stars, or the ongoing fight for justice in the film industry, there’s plenty to look forward to at this year’s event. Check out more updates on the festival’s official site.
