Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act as it unveils Palme d’Or contenders

Industry abuse scandal looms over Cannes as lineup announcement nears.

A canine unit gendarme and a patrol dog stand beside the logo of the 77th Cannes Film Festival inside the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière, ahead of the Closing Ceremony, in Cannes, southern France, on May 25, 2024. Photo by Antonin Thuillier/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act as it prepares to announce its lineup for the 2025 edition, amid growing scrutiny over abuse in the entertainment industry. On Thursday, festival president Iris Knobloch and veteran director Thierry Frémaux are expected to unveil the list of films competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, as well as other high-profile premieres, during a press conference in Paris.

But this year's buildup to the glamour and excitement of the Riviera event has been overshadowed by serious accusations within the French entertainment sector. A parliamentary inquiry released just one day before the Cannes lineup announcement painted a damning picture: abuse—physical, psychological, and sexual—is described as “endemic” in the film and performing arts world.

At the heart of the report is a clear call for institutions like Cannes to play a role in reshaping the culture of silence and complicity. As Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act, questions are being asked not just about the films that will be shown, but about the values the festival will uphold.

The stakes are higher than ever

For decades, Cannes has been the most celebrated event in international cinema. It has launched careers, revived legends, and turned films into global phenomena. But its influence also brings a responsibility—and critics now say that influence should be used to challenge the long-standing tolerance of mistreatment behind the scenes.

Sandrine Rousseau, the inquiry’s chairwoman and a lawmaker known for her advocacy on feminist issues, didn't mince words. "The Cannes Film Festival must be the place where this shift in mindset happens; the place where we say loud and clear that abuse in our industry is no longer acceptable," she said.

Her appeal was not directed at the films alone, but at the festival's entire culture—from red carpet appearances to jury selections, from the people invited to panels to the silence around abusers who still find favor in the elite circles of global cinema.

What we know so far

Despite the controversy, the organizers are pushing ahead with what is expected to be a star-studded lineup. French icon Juliette Binoche has been named jury president—only the second Frenchwoman to hold the title in the festival’s history.

Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d'Or for his legendary contribution to cinema, while Tom Cruise will headline the red carpet for the world premiere of the final “Mission: Impossible” film.

However, critics note that these announcements, while exciting, have done little to acknowledge the elephant in the room. As Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act, the lack of a formal statement addressing the findings of the inquiry has raised eyebrows.

A history of silence

This is not the first time the Cannes Film Festival has come under fire. In the post-#MeToo era, the festival has been criticized for its tepid response to allegations against high-profile figures who continued to walk its red carpet and receive honors.

Although symbolic gestures have been made—such as gender parity pledges and visible support for women-led films—activists say these moves have not gone far enough. Last year, a silent protest by female filmmakers made headlines, but it was largely ignored by festival leadership.

Now, with an official French parliamentary report describing systemic abuse and naming Cannes as a major player in the industry’s ecosystem, many are demanding real change.

The power of the Palme

The Palme d’Or is more than just a trophy. It is a symbol of excellence, and its winners are often catapulted into international fame. When a film wins at Cannes, the world watches. This is why the pressure is mounting—not just for transparency, but for integrity.

Will the 2025 lineup include films made by survivors? Will it exclude those made by known abusers? Will jury members and presenters be vetted for ethical credibility as well as cinematic taste? These are the questions now hanging over the festival as Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act in a meaningful and lasting way.

A call for change from within

Some voices within the industry are already pushing for reform. Independent filmmakers, especially women and queer directors, have spoken out about the “double standard” of honoring artistry while ignoring harmful behavior.

In recent years, women-led stories have won big at Cannes, signaling a slow shift in the type of films that get recognition. But critics warn that changing what's on screen isn't enough—it's also about who gets to make those films, and how they are treated in the process.

Denouncing abuse publicly and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy behind the scenes would send a powerful message. It could redefine Cannes not just as a home of cinematic excellence, but as a place of ethical leadership in a troubled industry.

The press conference on Thursday will mark the official start of the festival countdown, and the world will be watching—not only to see what films will dazzle the Croisette this year, but to learn whether Cannes is ready to confront its legacy.

As Cannes Film Festival faces pressure to act, the spotlight is no longer just on the movies. It’s on the festival itself. What happens next could define its reputation for years to come.

For now, the silence is louder than the applause.