Park Chan-wook Creates History as Cannes Film Festival Jury President
In a landmark announcement, the Cannes Film Festival has revealed that visionary Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will lead the jury for its 79th edition. This prestigious appointment makes him the first Korean director ever to serve as jury president at the world's most celebrated film festival. The festival is scheduled to run from May 12 to 23, 2026.
A Distinguished Cannes Legacy
Park Chan-wook is no stranger to the Croisette. His relationship with Cannes spans over two decades, marked by multiple accolades:
- In 2004, his iconic film 'Oldboy' won the Grand Prix, the festival's second-highest honor.
- He received the Jury Prize in 2009 for his vampire thriller 'Thirst'.
- Most recently, he was awarded the Best Director prize in 2022 for the critically acclaimed 'Decision to Leave'.
Festival President Iris Knobloch and Director Thierry Frémaux issued a joint statement praising his extraordinary contributions. "Park Chan-wook's inventiveness, visual mastery, and penchant for capturing the multiple impulses of women and men with strange destinies have given contemporary cinema some truly memorable moments," they said. "We are delighted to celebrate his immense talent and, more broadly, the cinema of a country deeply engaged with the questioning of our time."
Following in Prestigious Footsteps
Park Chan-wook succeeds French actress Juliette Binoche, who presided over the jury in 2025 when Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' won the Palme d'Or. His appointment also highlights the growing influence of Korean cinema on the global stage, following Bong Joon Ho's historic Palme d'Or win for 'Parasite' in 2019.
Recent Work and Critical Acclaim
The director's latest film, 'No Other Choice', explores the story of an unemployed family man who takes drastic measures to secure a new job. Although selected as Korea's official submission for the Oscars, it did not receive a nomination. However, The Associated Press recognized it as one of the best films of 2025, underscoring Park's continued relevance and artistic prowess.
With this new role, Park Chan-wook adds another significant milestone to his illustrious career. As jury president, he will play a pivotal role in determining which film receives the coveted Palme d'Or, shaping the legacy of the 2026 festival and further cementing his status as a cinematic luminary.
