The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has announced that acclaimed French actress Leïla Bekhti will serve as the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury for its upcoming edition. This significant appointment places Bekhti at the helm of one of the festival’s most celebrated and discerning sections, known for showcasing emerging talent and daring cinematic voices. The Un Certain Regard strand, a vital component of the Cannes lineup, has a distinguished history of identifying and promoting films that push artistic boundaries and offer fresh perspectives on the world.
Bekhti’s leadership of the jury signifies a powerful endorsement of her artistic contributions and her standing within the international film community. Her tenure follows that of UK filmmaker Molly Manning Walker, who presided over the jury in 2025, a year when the Un Certain Regard Prize was awarded to Chilean filmmaker Diego Céspedes for his evocative debut film, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo. This tradition of entrusting the jury’s presidency to respected figures underscores the Un Certain Regard’s commitment to cinematic excellence and its role as a launchpad for future filmmaking stars.
Joining Bekhti on the distinguished jury will be a diverse and accomplished group of international film professionals. Senegalese producer Angèle Diabang, known for her impactful work in African cinema, will bring her expertise to the panel. Lebanon’s esteemed composer Khaled Mouzanar, whose scores have graced numerous critically acclaimed films, will lend his musical sensibility to the deliberations. Representing Italy, director Laura Samani, recognized for her poignant storytelling, will contribute her directorial vision. Completing the jury is French director Thomas Cailley, whose distinctive cinematic style has garnered significant attention. The collective experience and varied backgrounds of these jury members promise a comprehensive and insightful evaluation of the films presented in the Un Certain Regard section.
In her own words, Bekhti expressed her profound anticipation for this role. "For my first time as Jury President, I will find myself in the unique position of watching, listening, sharing, and celebrating," she stated. "Working in cinema has taught me that movies are places of encounter with others, with oneself, with the world." This sentiment highlights the deeply personal and universally resonant power of film, a philosophy that will undoubtedly guide her and the jury’s work.
Bekhti further elaborated on the significance of the experience: "Discovering them alongside a jury, living this timeless experience, is both a responsibility and a joy. I look forward to the exchanged perspectives, the dialogues, and the doubts as well, which make up the richness of this living art. And, ultimately, I will be there in the most precious seat of all: that of the audience." Her emphasis on dialogue, doubt, and the audience’s perspective underscores a thoughtful and inclusive approach to film criticism, recognizing that the most profound cinematic experiences are often born from collaboration and thoughtful reflection.
The Un Certain Regard: A Platform for Cinematic Innovation
The Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival has carved out a unique niche since its inception. Established in 1978, it was designed to highlight original and daring works that might not fit within the more traditional competitive categories. Over the decades, it has become synonymous with discovering new cinematic talent and championing films that challenge conventions, explore complex themes, and offer distinctive artistic visions. Unlike the Palme d’Or, which is the festival’s highest prize and is awarded to the best film in the main competition, the Un Certain Regard prizes celebrate a different kind of cinematic achievement – one that prioritizes boldness, innovation, and a unique perspective.
The section’s programming often features films from emerging filmmakers, as well as established directors exploring new territories. Its selection is known for its diversity, both in terms of geographical origin and thematic content. This commitment to showcasing a global spectrum of cinematic voices makes it a crucial barometer for the evolving landscape of international cinema. The films awarded in Un Certain Regard often go on to achieve critical acclaim and find wider distribution, demonstrating the section’s significant impact on the film industry.
Leïla Bekhti: A Career Defined by Depth and Versatility
Leïla Bekhti’s journey in cinema is a testament to her remarkable talent and her ability to embody a wide range of complex characters. Her breakthrough role came in Jacques Audiard’s critically acclaimed 2009 film A Prophet, a powerful and gritty drama that garnered international attention and solidified her position as a formidable actress. Since then, she has consistently delivered compelling performances across a variety of genres and in collaborations with renowned directors.
Her filmography boasts an impressive array of notable works. She starred in Gilles Lellouche’s ensemble comedy-drama Sink or Swim (2018), a film that resonated with audiences for its heartwarming story and strong performances. Her work in Joachim Lafosse’s The Restless (2021) showcased her ability to delve into more emotionally demanding narratives. Other significant credits include Kheiron’s All Three of Us (2015), the popular Perfect Nanny (2019), and Jeanne Herry’s powerful social drama All Your Faces (2023). She also appeared in Ken Scott’s Once Upon My Mother (2025), further demonstrating her range. Bekhti is slated to captivate audiences once again in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s upcoming film, Changer l’eau des fleurs, a collaboration that promises to be another significant artistic endeavor. This diverse and impactful body of work makes her an ideal choice to lead the Un Certain Regard jury, bringing a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of cinematic artistry.
The Cannes Film Festival: A Global Cinema Epicenter
The Cannes Film Festival, established in 1946, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. Held annually on the French Riviera, it serves as a global showcase for cinematic excellence, attracting filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and cinephiles from across the globe. The festival is renowned for its rigorous selection process, its glamorous red carpet events, and its pivotal role in launching films and careers onto the international stage.
The festival comprises several distinct sections, each with its own unique focus. The main competition vies for the coveted Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor. Other key sections include the Un Certain Regard, Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs), and International Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique), each offering a distinct platform for diverse cinematic expressions. This year, the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 23, promising two weeks of unparalleled cinematic exploration and discovery. The Un Certain Regard strand will officially open with the film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, setting the tone for the section’s adventurous and thought-provoking programming.
Broader Implications and Industry Impact
Leïla Bekhti’s appointment as President of the Un Certain Regard Jury carries significant weight. As a prominent figure in French and international cinema, her leadership is likely to draw considerable attention to the section and the films it champions. Her reputation for thoughtful engagement with her craft and her articulate reflections on the art of filmmaking suggest that she will bring a discerning and passionate perspective to the jury’s deliberations.
The selection of a jury with such diverse international representation – from Senegal and Lebanon to Italy and France – underscores Cannes’ commitment to global cinema. This cross-cultural collaboration is essential for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of filmmaking from different regions and traditions. The discussions and decisions made by such a jury can have a tangible impact on the careers of emerging filmmakers, providing them with crucial visibility, critical validation, and potential distribution opportunities.
Furthermore, Bekhti’s own statement about the role, emphasizing "encounter with others, with oneself, with the world," speaks to the profound societal role that cinema plays. Her commitment to experiencing the films as an audience member, alongside the rigorous task of evaluation, highlights the humanistic core of the festival’s mission. The Un Certain Regard, in particular, serves as a vital space for films that explore challenging themes and offer unconventional narratives, often reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. Bekhti’s leadership is expected to champion precisely these kinds of cinematic endeavors, reinforcing the section’s reputation for presenting cutting-edge and socially relevant cinema. The decisions made by her jury will undoubtedly shape conversations around the future of filmmaking and influence the trajectory of several promising cinematic voices.
