Park Chan-wook, renowned for films such as Oldboy and Decision to Leave, has been appointed as the president of the main competition jury at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, according to an announcement by the festival organizers. This marks a historic moment for Korean cinema, as Park becomes the first South Korean director to hold the prestigious position.

Historic Appointment for Korean Cinema

The 79th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held in Cannes, France, from May 12 to May 23, 2026, will see Park Chan-wook leading the jury responsible for selecting the Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor. His appointment highlights the rising global influence of Korean cinema and filmmakers.

Park is no stranger to the festival. In 2004, his film Oldboy won the Grand Prix, the second-highest award at Cannes. He later received the Jury Prize for Thirst in 2009 and the Best Director Award for Decision to Leave in 2022. These accolades have solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative directors in contemporary cinema.

Cannes Praises Park’s Cinematic Vision

Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch and artistic director Thierry Frémaux praised Park’s “visual mastery” and distinctive storytelling. In a statement, they said his films explore deep emotional and moral complexities while pushing genre boundaries. They emphasized that his leadership of the 2026 jury celebrates both his contributions to global cinema and the vibrancy of Korean filmmaking.

“Park Chan-wook is a visionary director whose work resonates globally,” said Frémaux. “His leadership will bring a unique perspective to the jury and help shape the artistic direction of the festival.”

Park expressed his thoughts on the appointment, highlighting the unifying power of cinema. “Sharing a film in a dark theater creates a universal expression of solidarity in an age of division,” he said. He believes that film has the power to transcend borders and bring people together.

Anticipation Builds for 2026 Festival

The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the most influential platforms for international cinema, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the world. As president of the jury, Park will be responsible for evaluating films from diverse cultures and backgrounds, helping to elevate emerging voices in the industry.

The official lineup for the 79th Cannes Film Festival is expected to be announced in mid-April 2026, with audiences eagerly anticipating the selections that Park and his jury will evaluate. This will be the first time a South Korean director holds such a prominent role at the festival.

Park’s appointment is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the growing recognition of Korean cinema on the global stage. His films have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression, making him a fitting choice to lead the jury.

The festival’s lineup will likely include a mix of established and emerging filmmakers, with Park’s influence expected to shape the selection process. His experience and critical acclaim make him a natural leader for the jury.

As the countdown to the 2026 festival begins, the film community is watching closely to see how Park’s leadership will impact the direction of the event and the recognition of global cinema.