The Cannes Film Festival revealed its 2025 program on Thursday morning, highlighting a range of highly anticipated world premieres set to captivate audiences on the French Riviera. Among these is the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson, Eleanor the Great, which sees the esteemed actress taking a step behind the camera while also casting veteran actress June Squibb in a leading role. Johansson’s venture into directing, described as both bold and innovative, is creating a buzz among festival goers and film enthusiasts alike.
Joining Johansson in this lineup of illustrious filmmakers are notable directors such as Richard Linklater and Kelly Reichardt. Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a tribute to the French New Wave, promises to delve into the fascinating era that revived European cinema, focusing specifically on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. Reichardt, known for her distinctive narratives, presents The Mastermind, a riveting tale set within the intricacies of the art world, featuring Josh O’Connor, Alana Haim, and John Magaro.
Additional standout films include Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier’s follow-up to The Worst Person in the World, which stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, and Elle Fanning. Oscar winner Julia Ducournau returns with Alpha, following her acclaimed film Titane. Ari Aster offers Eddington, a contemporary Western packed with a stellar cast including Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler, and Joaquin Phoenix. Meanwhile, Wes Anderson unveils The Phoenician Scheme, a film promising to enchant viewers with its star-studded ensemble led by Benicio del Toro.
Historically, Cannes has been instrumental in setting the stage for award-winning films. Over the past five years, several movies that premiered at Cannes, like Parasite and Anora, have earned Best Picture nominations and even wins at the Oscars. The festival continues this tradition, providing a vital launchpad for filmmakers aiming for critical acclaim, with Eleanor the Great poised to be a standout contender.
The festival’s opening night will feature Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin, while the main competition includes exciting titles such as Dossier 137 by Dominik Moll and Jafar Panahi’s In Simple Accident. Un Certain Regard, a category known for showcasing diverse storytelling, includes intriguing entries like Eleanor the Great and Once Upon A Time In Gaza by the Nasser brothers.
Out of competition, audiences will be treated to films like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning directed by Christopher McQuarrie, adding Hollywood flair. The series of special screenings also promises to captivate audiences with selections such as Bono: Stories of Surrender by Andrew Dominik.
The inclusion of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, alongside films from seasoned directors, underscores Cannes’ role in celebrating and nurturing cinematic talent. As the festival approaches, excitement builds around these premieres, and industry experts speculate on the ripple effects they might have on the upcoming awards season. With its prestigious lineup, Cannes 2025 is not only anticipated for its artistic spectacle but also for the potential impacts on careers and the broader film landscape.
