Composition of the Jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival

May 4, 2026, 18:37
EuropeEntertainment

Introduction

The organizers of the Cannes Film Festival have disclosed the membership of the nine-person jury tasked with awarding the Palme d'Or.

Main Body

The deliberative body is presided over by South Korean director Park Chan-wook. The composition of the jury reflects a diverse intersection of cinematic expertise, incorporating figures such as Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård. Furthermore, the panel includes American actress Demi Moore, whose recent professional trajectory has been marked by an Academy Award nomination for her performance in 'The Substance'. Additional appointments to the jury comprise Irish-Ethiopian actor Ruth Negga, Ivorian-American actor Isaach de Bankolé, Belgian director Laura Wandel, Chilean director Diego Céspedes, and Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty. The inclusion of these individuals ensures a multinational perspective in the adjudication of the competition. Should the festival proceed as scheduled, the jury will evaluate the entries during the event's duration from May 12 to May 23.

Conclusion

The designated jury will convene on the French Riviera starting May 12 to determine the festival's primary accolades.

Learning

The Architecture of Formal Nominalization

To ascend from B2 to C2, a student must transition from action-oriented prose (using verbs) to concept-oriented prose (using nouns). This text is a masterclass in Nominalization, the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns to create an air of objectivity and academic detachment.

🔍 The Linguistic Shift

Observe the phrase: "whose recent professional trajectory has been marked by an Academy Award nomination..."

  • B2 approach: "Demi Moore was nominated for an Oscar recently, which changed her career." (Focus on the person and the action).
  • C2 approach: "...professional trajectory has been marked by... nomination." (Focus on the concept of the trajectory and the event of the nomination).

By replacing the verb "nominated" with the noun "nomination," the writer shifts the focus from the act of nominating to the status of being nominated. This is the hallmark of high-level institutional English.

🛠️ Analytical Breakdown: High-Density Noun Phrases

C2 mastery requires the ability to stack modifiers around a core noun to compress information. Look at this sequence:

"...a diverse intersection of cinematic expertise..."

Deconstruction:

  1. Diverse (Adjective) →\rightarrow Qualifies the nature of the meeting.
  2. Intersection (Abstract Noun) →\rightarrow The conceptual anchor (replacing a verb like "where people meet").
  3. Cinematic expertise (Compound Noun) →\rightarrow The specific domain of knowledge.

🚀 Implementation Strategy

To replicate this, avoid the "Subject + Verb + Object" trap. Instead, employ The Nominal Shift:

B2 (Action)C2 (Nominalized Concept)
The jury will decide who wins.The adjudication of the competition.
They announced who is on the jury.The disclosure of the membership.
The festival is scheduled to happen.Should the festival proceed as scheduled.

Vocabulary Learning

deliberative (adj.)
relating to or characterized by careful consideration and discussion before making a decision
Example:The deliberative nature of the jury ensured that each film was examined in depth before a decision was made.
adjudication (n.)
the formal process of making a judgment or decision in a competition or legal matter
Example:The adjudication of the competition was entrusted to the experienced panel of filmmakers.
multinational (adj.)
involving or belonging to several countries; spanning multiple nations
Example:The multinational composition of the jury brought together perspectives from Asia, Europe, and Africa.
inclusion (n.)
the act of including or the state of being included; welcoming diverse members
Example:The inclusion of actors from diverse backgrounds enriched the deliberations.
convene (v.)
to gather or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal event
Example:The jury will convene on the French Riviera to discuss the awards.
composition (n.)
the arrangement or makeup of parts that form a whole; the structure of something
Example:The composition of the jury was announced by the festival organizers.
trajectory (n.)
the path or course followed by an object or person over time; a course of development
Example:Her trajectory in cinema has been marked by critical acclaim and award nominations.
accolades (n.)
praise, honors, or awards given to recognize achievement
Example:The film received numerous accolades at the festival, including the Palme d'Or.
duration (n.)
the length of time that something lasts
Example:The festival's duration spans from May 12 to May 23, offering a two-week celebration of cinema.
intersection (n.)
a point or area where two or more things meet or cross; a crossover
Example:The intersection of cinematic expertise and cultural diversity made the jury uniquely qualified.
expertise (n.)
specialized knowledge or skill in a particular field
Example:Their collective expertise ensured a fair and informed evaluation of each entry.
panel (n.)
a group of experts assembled to discuss, judge, or advise on a topic
Example:The panel included actors, directors, and screenwriters from around the world.
presided (v.)
to act as the chairperson or leader of a meeting or event
Example:Director Park Chan-wook presided over the deliberations, guiding the discussion.
disclosed (v.)
to reveal or make known information that was previously hidden
Example:The organizers disclosed the jury members ahead of the festival to maintain transparency.
tasked (v.)
to assign a duty or responsibility to someone
Example:They were tasked with awarding the Palme d'Or to the film that best exemplified artistic excellence.