The 79th Cannes Film Festival Opens with Controversy and Conviction

The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with a jury press conference that touched on politics, blacklisting, and artificial intelligence.

Jury Composition

The jury for the 2026 festival is presided over by Park Chan-wook and includes nine members: Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Chloe Zhao, Stellan Skarsgard, Laura Wandel, Diego Cespedes, Isaach de Bankole, and screenwriter Paul Laverty.

Statements on Politics and Art

"Politics and art should not be divided."

Jury president Park Chan-wook stated that politics and art should not be divided, and that a film should not be considered an enemy of art because it contains a political message. He added that a political statement can lose its artistic value if not expressed with skill.

Demi Moore expressed hope that political statements would not distract from the films, noting that expression is a component of art.

Paul Laverty described the festival as an oasis for peace, referencing what he termed "systematic violence" in Gaza.

Statements on Alleged Blacklisting

"These individuals are 'blacklisted' in Hollywood due to their views on Gaza."

Laverty, in response to a journalist's question, commented on the careers of actors Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, and Mark Ruffalo. He stated that these individuals are "blacklisted" in Hollywood due to their views on Gaza. Laverty expressed solidarity with the actors, referring to them as "the best of us."

Background

In 2025, more than 350 film industry figures, including Sarandon, Bardem, and Ruffalo, signed an open letter criticizing silence regarding the impact of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Context

At the Goya Awards in February 2026, Sarandon stated that she was dismissed by her agency for participating in protests and speaking about Gaza, which she said has made it difficult to find work in Hollywood.

Statements on Artificial Intelligence

"Opposing AI's use in the industry is a losing battle."

Demi Moore commented on artificial intelligence, stating that AI is present in the industry and that opposing its use is a losing battle, but she added that AI cannot replace what she described as "true art."

Paul Laverty offered a different perspective, urging skepticism toward companies and technology executives who own AI services. He stated that their algorithms affect people's lives and that individuals should not allow these executives to dictate how they live.

Festival Duration

The festival is scheduled to run until May 23, at which point the Palme d'Or will be awarded to one of 22 competing films.