Park Chan-wook Named President of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival Jury
South Korean director Park Chan-wook has been selected as the jury president for the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, set to run from May 12–23, 2026. This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Korean to hold the prestigious position [Hollywood Reporter].
A Celebrated Filmmaker
Park Chan-wook is renowned for his visually striking and morally complex films, including the groundbreaking revenge thriller Oldboy, the period drama The Handmaiden, and the more recent Decision to Depart. His perform has consistently garnered critical acclaim and awards at Cannes and other international film festivals [Variety].
Previous Cannes Recognition
Park Chan-wook’s relationship with the Cannes Film Festival began with the screening of Joint Security Area in 2001. Oldboy premiered at Cannes in 2004, winning the Grand Jury Prize. He subsequently won the Jury Prize for Thirst in 2009, the Vulcan Prize for production design for The Handmaiden in 2016, and Best Director for Decision to Leave in 2022 [IndieWire].
Festival’s Statement
Iris Knobloch, president of the Cannes festival, and director Thierry Frémaux praised Park Chan-wook’s “inventiveness, visual mastery, and penchant for capturing the multiple impulses of women and men with strange destinies,” noting that his work has given contemporary cinema “truly memorable moments” [Hollywood Reporter].
A Symbol of Korean Cinema
Cannes organizers emphasized that Park Chan-wook’s presidency symbolizes the festival’s long-standing commitment to Korean cinema and its growing influence on the global film landscape [Hollywood Reporter].
Park Chan-wook’s Vision
Park Chan-wook expressed his anticipation for the role, stating, “The theater is dark so that we may see the light of cinema…To be enclosed in a theater to watch films, and enclosed again to engage in debate with the members of the Jury, this double, voluntary confinement is something I await with great anticipation.” He also highlighted the unifying power of cinema in a world marked by division [Hollywood Reporter].
The lineup for the 79th Cannes International Film Festival will be announced in mid-April.