CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 24: (L-R) Jury Members Didier Allouch, Payal Kapadia, Jeremy Strong, Alba Rohrwacher, Dieudo Hamadi, Jury President Juliette Binoche, Hong Sang-soo, Halle Berry, Carlos Reygadas and Leïla Slimani during the closing jury press conference at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 24, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images) © Victor Boyko/Getty Images
On the 2025 Winners: Feature Films Jury Press Conference
The Feature Films Jury, chaired by Juliette Binoche and comprising Halle Berry, Payal Kapadia, Alba Rohrwacher, Leïla Slimani, Dieudo Hamadi, Hong Sangsoo, Carlos Reygadas and Jeremy Strong, gathered for one last time at a press conference after the winners of the 78th Festival de Cannes were announced. Here are a few highlights.
Juliette Binoche
My favorite moment was when Hong Sangsoo said to us, “Cinema really means a great deal to you!” It was as though he was rediscovering that we were all carrying a part of humanity within us, and that we felt responsible for it. We were all deeply rooted in this desire to grow and to defend the truth.
Dieudo Hamadi
I’ll always remember our discussions and how perspectives can change after discussing the films. When we listen to each other, the films reveal themselves to us.
Carlos Reygadas
I learned a lot in their company and I think true friendship blossomed between us.
Alba Rohrwacher
It was very much like caviar and champagne… a true blessing.
Jeremy Strong
We wanted to recognize films that we felt were transcendent intrinsically as pieces of work. This festival began with a few north stars. Remember what Robert De Niro said at the start of the Festival: “Fascists should fear art.” That was the idea. And Ibsen said, “Deep inside, there is a poem within the poem.” This film and the other films that took home awards have these poems within the poem. They have the power to change us.
Hong Sangsoo on the two awards for O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent)
We wanted to pay special homage to this film; we all agreed that it deserved special recognition. O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent) demonstrates the depth and breadth of Kleber Mendonça Filho’s artistic sensitivity; he showcases the full extent of his talent alongside incredible actors. Dedicating two awards to this film was a unanimous decision.
Leïla Slimani on the Palme d’or winner, Un simple accident by Jafar Panahi
What is beautiful in this film is that it is political but full of grace at the same time, because it opens up the possibility of a form of redemption and hope, and that perhaps for those who choose what is good, who decide not to take revenge, they will have won the most beautiful battle—that of upholding their integrity. And that was also what I think we were looking for, the human and artistic integrity of this man who made this film alongside such a wonderful cast and team, who were so deeply committed by his side. Standing beside Jafar Panahi to make a film is a real message in itself.