78th Cannes Film Festival Underway, Juliette Binoche Leads Palme d'Or Jury

The Palme d'Or is the highest honor awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, recognizing the best feature film as selected by a jury of distinguished film professionals. The award has a rich history of honoring a diverse range of films, from art-house and social realism to genre and mainstream cinema, including notable winners like "Parasite" and "I, Daniel Blake." The 2025 Cannes Film Festival features a competitive lineup with films such as "File 137," a French detective film exploring a protester's injury, and others that reflect the festival's international scope and prestige. The jury's deliberation process is secretive and intense, often leading to surprising and sometimes controversial outcomes, reflecting the challenge of reaching consensus among diverse artistic perspectives. Over recent years, the Palme d'Or has gained increased recognition with the Academy Awards, as seen with films like "Parasite" and "Anora" winning both Cannes' top prize and Oscars, highlighting a growing convergence between artistic acclaim and broader industry recognition. This dual prestige underscores Cannes' role as a key platform for films that combine artistic merit with potential commercial and critical success.