Park Chan-wook Is President of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival Jury
Variety
by elskesFebruary 26, 2026
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Park Chan-wook, the renowned South Korean director, screenwriter, and producer, has been appointed as the president of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival jury. This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first South Korean to hold this prestigious role, following in the footsteps of French actor Juliette Binoche, who led the jury that awarded Jafar Panahi’s *It Was Just an Accident* with the Palme d’Or. Known for his innovative storytelling and visually stunning work, Park has a deep connection to Cannes, having premiered films like *Oldboy* (2004), which won the Grand Prize, and later received accolades for works such as *Thirst*, *The Handmaiden*, and *Decision to Leave*. His appointment is celebrated as a recognition of South Korean cinema’s growing influence on the global stage.
Park’s career at Cannes is dotted with achievements. His film *Oldboy* not only won critical acclaim but also became a cult classic, paving the way for his continued participation in the festival. Over the years, he has returned to compete with films like *Thirst*, which earned him the Jury Prize in
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Originally published on Variety on 2/26/2026