Festival director Thierry Fremaux announced the 21 films selected for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday. The lineup features international heavyweights including Iran’s Asghar Farhaly, Spain’s Pedro Almodovar, and Russia’s Andrey Zvyagintsev.
While the selection highlights global talent, major Hollywood studios are notably absent from the competition. Fremaux noted during a press conference in Paris that while American actors will appear, the studios will be less represented.
Global cinema takes center stage
Other contenders for the top prize include Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda and Romanian director Cristian Mungiu, whose film 'Fjord' stars Renate Reinsve. The competition also includes three films from Japan and three from Spain.
American stars Woody Harrelson and Kristen Stewart are set to appear in 'Full Phil,' a film by French director Quentin Dupieux. Additionally, American actor John Travolta will present his directorial debut, 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach,' in the out-of-competition section.
Fremaux highlighted a prevalence of historical films and stories offering escapism. "We realised that the Western world needs gentleness, songs, nature, and that the countries of the Global South... need security, need prosperity and need to provide care for children and families," Fremaux said.
South Korean director Park Chan-wook will lead the jury this year, making him the first South Korean to head the selection. He replaces French actress Juliette Binoche, who held the position last year.
The festival will also honor Hollywood legend Barbra Streisand and New Zealander Peter Jackson with Honorary Palmes d’Or. The out-of-competition slate also features sports documentaries, including pieces on football legend Eric Cantona and the 1986 World Cup match involving Diego Maradona.
