Cannes Film Festival: Leïla Bekhti appointed head of the “Un Certain Regard” jury
According to the CinemaDrame news agency, French actress Leïla Bekhti has been announced as the president of the jury for the “Un Certain Regard” section at the Cannes Film Festival.
In this role, she will work alongside Senegalese producer Angèle Diabang, Lebanese composer Khaled Mouzanar, Italian director Laura Samani, and French director Thomas Cailley.
Bekhti replaces Molly Manning Walker, who presided over the jury in 2025. That jury awarded the “Un Certain Regard” prize to Diego Céspedes’ debut film “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo.”
Bekhti said that for her first experience as jury president, she is in a special position to watch, listen, exchange ideas, and celebrate. She emphasized that working in cinema has taught her that films are places of encounter—with others, with oneself, and with the world.
She also noted that discovering films alongside other jury members and sharing those memorable moments is both a great responsibility and a pleasure. According to her, discussions, exchanges of perspectives, and even doubts contribute to the richness of this living art form, and ultimately the most important role is that of the audience, which she will be part of.
Bekhti first gained major attention for her performance in Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet.” Her other notable works include “Sink or Swim” (2018), “All Your Faces” (2023), “Our Ties” (2021), “The Perfect Nanny” (2019), “Three Worlds” (2015), and “Once Upon My Mother” (2025). She is also set to appear in “Changing the Water of Flowers,” directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
The “Un Certain Regard” section will open with the film “Teen Sex and Death in Miasma Camp,” and the 79th Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to May 23.
