JURY MEMBER - Press conference - PALMARÈS - English - Cannes 2026

Jury Deliberations

The jury described its deliberations as lively and collaborative. They met regularly after groups of films, continued discussing them informally, and spent the final morning debating and voting with their phones put away. They said agreement came relatively easily because their views often aligned.

A Memorable Experience

Much of the press conference became a warm tribute to the experience. Diego Cespedes called Cannes “life-changing,” saying the festival taught him that cinema exists not only on screen but also in people’s souls.

Other jurors praised how attentively the group listened across differences in background and perspective. Demi Moore said she felt she was leaving a better person. Stellan Skarsgård joked that he wasn’t, then added that the group had helped him think more deeply. One juror likened the two weeks to “the best summer camp ever.”

Lighter Moments and Shared Awards

Jury president Park Chan-wook joked that he didn’t want to award the Palme d’Or because he had never won one himself—but had no choice when a film deserved it. He also shared a playful exchange about how Demi Moore likes her name pronounced.

The jury explained that several awards were shared because they couldn’t choose between equally compelling work, including the acting awards and the directors’ work.

A Tribute to Film Critics

Paul Laverty took a moment to thank film critics, including those who had given him poor reviews. He recalled meeting veteran Athens critic Ninos Mikelides, who first attended Cannes in 1962 and had returned 55 times. Laverty suggested that history would ultimately be a wiser judge than any jury.

Personalities Identified

• Park Chan-wook, jury president
• Paul Laverty
• Laura Bispel
• Isaach De Bankolé
• Chloé Zhao
• Diego Cespedes
• Ruth Negga
• Stellan Skarsgård
• Demi Moore