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Filmmaker Nadine Labaki Joins Cannes Film Festival Jury

Filmmaker Nadine Labaki Joins Cannes Film Festival Jury

April 30, 2024

Lebanese director Nadine Labaki is set to join the prestigious jury at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, taking place May 14th-25th, 2024. The announcement comes from festival president Greta Gerwig.

Labaki, a celebrated figure at Cannes, will be among the jury members tasked with awarding the coveted Palme d'Or, the festival's highest honor, to one of the 22 films in competition. This marks a significant return for Labaki, who has a long and distinguished history with the festival.

Filmmaker Nadine Labaki Joins Cannes Film Festival Jury

A Cannes Journey: From First Steps to Jury Duty

Labaki's Cannes story began in 2004 when she participated in the Cinéfoundation Residency, a program that nurtured her first feature film, "Caramel." Three years later, "Caramel" premiered at the Director's Fortnight section. Each subsequent film by Labaki – "Where Do We Go Now?" (2011) and "Capernaum" (2018) – found a place at Cannes, progressively advancing to more prominent sections.

"Capernaum" not only garnered Labaki the Jury Prize at Cannes in 2018, but also propelled her to international acclaim. The film secured nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, making Labaki the first Arab woman to achieve this feat.

Filmmaker Nadine Labaki Joins Cannes Film Festival Jury

Returning to Serve: A Jury Veteran

This isn't Labaki's first experience on a Cannes jury. In 2019, she became the first Arab president of the Un Certain Regard jury, a section dedicated to showcasing innovative works by emerging filmmakers.

Labaki's approach to jury duty emphasizes empathy over judgment.  "I watch films as a human being," she stated, "I don't like to judge because I've been there... I don't have the right answers."

Arab Presence at Cannes

Labaki isn't the only Arab filmmaker making their mark at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Moroccan director Asmae El-Moudir will be part of the Un Certain Regard jury this year, alongside a distinguished international panel.

Filmmaker Nadine Labaki Joins Cannes Film Festival Jury

Un Certain Regard:  A Platform for New Voices

Headed by Xavier Dolan, the Un Certain Regard jury will oversee the awarding of prizes for this section. It features a selection of 18 films, including eight debuts, that celebrate artistic expression and discovery by emerging auteurs.