Nadine Labaki Making History at Festival de Cannes, Once Again

Lebanese filmmaker, screenwriter and actress Nadine Labaki has been selected to join the acclaimed jury at the 77th edition of Festival de Cannes, taking place from May 14 till May 25.

The festival’s jury this year is led by president Greta Gerwig, the director behind Barbie, Little Women and Ladybird. Other members of the jury include Turkish screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actor and producer Omar Sy and many others who will be reviewing 22 films in the Palme d’Or competition picking one that will win the prize. The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 25 during the closing ceremony of the festival.

In 2018, Nadine Labaki became the first Arab woman to receive an award at Festival de Cannes for her movie “Capernaum”, wining the Jury Prize. Following the powerful film’s screening, the director was honored with a 15-minute standing ovation from the tearful audience. “Capernaum” also went on to be nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

Get to know more about "Capernaum" in Nadine Labaki in South Korea

In fact, Nadine’s relationship with the festival dates back to 2004 when she took part in the Cinéfoundation Residency to write and develop her first feature “Caramel”, which showcased at the Director’s Fortnight in 2007. In 2011, she presented her movie “Where Do We Go Now”? in the Un Certain Regard selection. 2015, she joined the Un Certain Regard jury as a member, before becoming the first Arab president to helm the same committee in 2019. 

With critically acclaimed films like "Caramel" and "Capernaum," Nadine Labaki has captivated audiences worldwide with her compelling storytelling and ability to shed light on important social issues in Lebanon. Labaki's work often explores themes of identity, family, and resilience, resonating with audiences across cultures and continents.

As a member of the Cannes jury, Labaki will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of films from around the world, bringing her unique perspective as a filmmaker from the Lebanon and selecting her this year for this part marks a significant moment not only for her career and journey contributing to the film industry but also for the representation of Middle Eastern cinema on the global stage.