Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche, who led last year’s Cannes Film Festival jury, emphasized the clear link between Cannes winners and their continued success at the Oscars. Speaking from Los Angeles, she pointed out that the power of the films themselves, rather than recent Academy diversity reforms, explains their achievement. The focus on Juliette Binoche Cannes winners underscores the impact of Cannes as a platform for internationally acclaimed films poised for Hollywood recognition.
Indeed, the Cannes jury’s selections have proven remarkably predictive: this year’s crop of festival premieres accumulated 19 Oscar nominations. Among them, the Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value, winner of the Grand Prix, and the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent are strong contenders for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars ceremony on March 15.
Films Awarded at Cannes to Compete in Oscar Categories
The Palme d’Or winner, It Was Just an Accident, alongside Sirat, a road trip movie honored with a special jury prize, are both vying for Best International Film at the Academy Awards. Binoche praised these works, remarking on their artistic strength and individuality.
“It’s because these films are so beautiful, so unique, and so strong that they sometimes go against the grain,”
the actress said.
She elaborated on the distinctiveness of Cannes selections, adding,
“It’s not hard to recognise films with their own strength.”
Binoche, 61, has an illustrious career marked by an Oscar for The English Patient and accolades from Venice, Berlin, and Cannes festivals.
Bridging Cannes and the Oscars: A Shift in Recognition Patterns
Historically, Cannes and the Academy Awards have celebrated different types of films, with Cannes often favoring auteur-driven works that are politically pointed. Yet, about a decade ago, changes within the Academy following the #OscarsSoWhite controversy led to a more international and diverse voting body. This transformation contributed to a convergence in the winners of both events.
Notably, in the past five years, only two films—South Korea’s Parasite and last year’s Anora by US indie filmmaker Sean Baker—have claimed both Cannes’ Palme d’Or and the Best Picture Oscar, a rarity achieved only four times in 80 years. That dual win will not occur this year, as Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident is not nominated for Best Picture.
Examining the Reception of Jafar Panahi’s Film
Panahi’s film, which explores the struggles of Iranians confronting a man they accuse of torture during imprisonment, raises questions about its recognition at the Oscars. Binoche defended the film’s value, acknowledging its unconventional casting of non-professional actors and the director’s extraordinary circumstances.
“There is no such thing as fair value, because a film just belongs to itself,”
she observed, emphasizing artistic integrity.
She further stated,
“One could criticise the film by saying that it’s not totally well acted, but it’s just not actors we are used to seeing on screen because he used non-professionals,”
highlighting Panahi’s unique approach.
Importantly, Binoche noted the poignant context behind Panahi’s script, written during his imprisonment:
“who wrote this script in prison in Iran, who went on hunger strike,”
and underscored its message about
“space… for reconciliation with his executioner.”
Juliette Binoche Reflects on Film’s Power to Influence Conscience
The French actress and film legend stressed her belief in cinema’s ability to transform audiences. She expressed that the most crucial quality of a film is its capacity to
“change lives, changes people’s consciences.”
Currently, Binoche is promoting her directorial debut, In-I in Motion, a documentary chronicling her experience preparing for a dance performance with British choreographer Akram Khan, which premiered in London in 2008. The film reveals the creative process and personal challenges she faced during the 120 shows.
Reflecting on her journey, Binoche shared,
“Each time, I thought I was going to die.”
The footage offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the collaborative dynamic between dancer and actress, which Binoche also edited.
Transitioning from Acting to Directing
Binoche remarked on the similarities between acting and directing, emphasizing the importance of intuition in both crafts.
“You have to be in sync with your own intuition… you have to believe in what you feel,”
she explained.
After a prolific acting career, the artist expressed eagerness to pursue further directing projects. When asked about her next film topic, she smiled and responded,
“I can’t say any more about it.”
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Dialogue Between Cannes and the Oscars
As the Oscars approach, Juliette Binoche’s insights highlight the complex relationship between Cannes winners and their reception in Hollywood. Her comments suggest that while the industry continues to evolve amid ongoing debates about fairness and recognition, the intrinsic power and uniqueness of films remain central to their success and influence.
With Cannes winners like Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent gaining Best Picture nominations, and other top festival titles competing in international categories, the 2026 Oscars promise to reflect the dynamic, global nature of contemporary cinema that Binoche champions.
