78th Cannes Film Festival Opens With Women-Led Jury, Politics, and Red-Carpet Controversy
French Riviera, May 13, 2025: The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened in its signature style, blending high fashion, cinematic excellence, and socio-political statements with a twist of controversy. The prestigious event featured a women-majority jury led by acclaimed French actor Juliette Binoche, alongside celebrated Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, Halle Berry, Leila Slimani, and Alba Rohrwacher.
The jury’s press conference set the tone for the 12-day event, addressing topics ranging from fashion restrictions to geopolitical conflicts. Juliette Binoche sidestepped questions regarding her refusal to sign a Gaza-related open letter, while Jeremy Strong, known for his role in “Succession,” took a more direct political stance by discussing his portrayal of Roy Cohn in “The Apprentice” and its relevance to the Trump-era media narrative.
Payal Kapadia, returning to Cannes with increasing recognition, expressed her excitement as a jury member and highlighted the influence that Cannes has had on the visibility of Indian cinema. Her Grand Prix win in 2024 for “All We Imagine As Light” has opened doors for Indian filmmakers on a global scale.
Adding to the political undertones of the festival, Donald Trump recently announced a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films. Although festival director Thierry Frémaux chose not to comment, Binoche acknowledged the move as a strategy to “save American cinema.”
This year’s opening film, “Leave One Day” by Amelie Bonnin, marks a historic milestone as the first debut feature to kick off Cannes. The French dramedy, starring Juliette Armanet and Bastien Bouillon, incorporates Bollywood-style song and dance while distancing itself from the musical genre.
The Indian presence at Cannes 2025 is modest compared to previous years. Neeraj Ghaywan returns with “Homebound,” featuring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. In the Cannes Classics section, a restored print of Satyajit Ray’s “Aranyer Din Ratri” will be screened, with Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal in attendance. Wes Anderson, a known admirer of Ray, will present the film.
Amidst the cinematic celebration, controversy brewed on the red carpet. The festival introduced a “decency dress code,” banning nudity and voluminous gowns that hinder movement. This move sparked backlash from fashion insiders and cultural commentators, who criticized it as a regressive imposition on women’s expression. Critics pointed out the irony of censoring women’s bodies on the carpet while allowing explicit content on screen.
Halle Berry, known for her daring fashion choices, admitted to adjusting her wardrobe after her planned voluminous gown was deemed non-compliant. “I had to make a pivot. But I do think the nudity rule is probably a good one,” she remarked.
The sudden rule change, announced just a day before the festival, disrupted months of styling efforts. Fashion commentators like Louis Pisano and platforms such as Boring Not Com criticized the inconsistent application of these rules and the message they send. Some noted that exceptions would likely be made for top models and brand ambassadors.
As Cannes navigates its identity between being a revered film festival and a global fashion showcase, questions linger about who the rules truly apply to—and whether the red carpet remains a space for artistic expression or control. Nevertheless, the films, stories, and cultural moments continue to unfold at the world’s most glamorous cinema celebration.
