Park Chan-Wook Named As 2026 Cannes Jury President

South Korean director Park Chan-wook, acclaimed for films like 'Old Boy' and 'No Other Choice,' has been appointed as the president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026. The renowned filmmaker follows in the footsteps of actress Juliette Binoche who presided over the 2025 jury, which awarded the Palme d'Or to Iranian director Jafar Panahi for his drama 'It Was Just An Accident,' marking his return to Cannes after a 15-year absence. Park Chan-wook has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema with his visually striking narratives that often explore complex human relationships and moral ambiguities. The South Korean auteur's filmography includes critically acclaimed works such as the 'Vengeance Trilogy,' 'The Handmaiden,' and 'Decision to Leave,' with his unique style combining meticulous attention to visual composition with intricate plotting and provocative themes. Festival President Iris Knobloch and Director Thierry Frémaux praised the appointment, highlighting Park's 'inventiveness, visual mastery, and penchant for capturing the multiple impulses of women and men with strange destinies' that have given contemporary cinema memorable moments. This selection reflects the festival's commitment to honoring diverse cinematic voices while maintaining its reputation for discovering groundbreaking filmmaking, particularly as Asian cinema continues to gain significant international recognition.