The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, has seen several Indian personalities serve on its jury over the years. From legendary filmmakers to contemporary actors, these individuals have represented India on the global stage. Here is a list of Indians who have been part of the Cannes jury.
Mrinal Sen (1982)
Veteran filmmaker Mrinal Sen was the first Indian to serve on the Cannes jury. He was a member of the jury for the 35th Cannes Film Festival in 1982, which awarded the Palme d'Or to Missing by Costa-Gavras.
Shabana Azmi (1988)
Actress and social activist Shabana Azmi served on the jury of the 41st Cannes Film Festival in 1988. The Palme d'Or that year went to Pelle the Conqueror by Bille August.
Mira Nair (1990)
Filmmaker Mira Nair was a member of the jury for the 43rd Cannes Film Festival in 1990. Her own film Salaam Bombay! had won the Camera d'Or at Cannes in 1988.
Amitabh Bachchan (2002)
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan served on the jury of the 55th Cannes Film Festival in 2002. The Palme d'Or winner that year was The Pianist by Roman Polanski.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (2003)
Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was a jury member for the 56th Cannes Film Festival in 2003. She was the first Indian actress to be part of the Cannes jury.
Nandita Das (2005)
Actress and filmmaker Nandita Das served on the jury of the 58th Cannes Film Festival in 2005. The Palme d'Or was awarded to L'Enfant by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.
Shekhar Kapur (2009)
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur was a member of the jury for the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in 2009. The Palme d'Or that year went to The White Ribbon by Michael Haneke.
Vidya Balan (2013)
Actress Vidya Balan served on the jury of the 66th Cannes Film Festival in 2013. The Palme d'Or winner was Blue Is the Warmest Colour by Abdellatif Kechiche.
Deepika Padukone (2022)
Actress Deepika Padukone was a jury member for the 75th Cannes Film Festival in 2022. She was part of the jury led by Vincent Lindon, which awarded the Palme d'Or to Triangle of Sadness by Ruben Östlund.
These Indian personalities have not only showcased their talent but also contributed to the global cinema landscape through their participation in the Cannes jury. Their presence highlights the growing influence of Indian cinema on the world stage.
