Movie lovers get your popcorn ready because Cannes Film Festival 2025 is already sounding like it's going to be a knockout. Word on the street is that some seriously big names are vying for a spot at this year's fest and we are here to break down the early buzz .
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Back at Cannes? 'Highest 2 Lowest' Could Be a Major Contender
Let's just jump right into the good stuff shall we? Spike Lee a Cannes regular and all-around cinema icon is expected to possibly bring his new movie "Highest 2 Lowest" to the festival. And guess who is starring? Only Denzel Washington. Yes you heard that right. This movie is from A24 and it's a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's classic crime thriller "High and Low". Spike Lee at Cannes with Denzel? That's already got our attention.
Cannes 2025: A-List Directors and Their Hotly Anticipated Films - Early Lineup Glimpse
But Spike Lee is just the tip of the iceberg. Cannes 2025 could be packed with heavy hitters. Think of it as the "first post-strike Cannes" meaning everyone is bringing their best work after things got back on track in Hollywood. Besides Lee here are some other directors and movies being whispered about for a Cannes premiere:
- Jim Jarmusch: Another Cannes favorite Jarmusch might be back with "Father Mother Sister Brother" starring a powerhouse cast including Cate Blanchett Adam Driver and Tom Waits. It's giving us indie cool vibes already.
- Wes Anderson: Of course Wes Anderson could be gracing the Croisette again with "The Phoenician Scheme". Expect his signature style and another star-studded cast with names like Benicio del Toro Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks.
- Richard Linklater: Linklater known for his character-driven films might present "Nouvelle Vague" a French-language movie about the making of Godard's "Breathless". Sounds artsy and amazing.
- Ari Aster: Get ready for some chills because Ari Aster of horror fame is rumored to be bringing his Western black comedy "Eddington" starring Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix. Cannes loves a bit of genre-bending.
- Kristen Stewart: Switching gears actress Kristen Stewart is making her directorial debut with "The Chronology of Water" based on a memoir. This could be a more personal and indie film adding to the diverse mix at Cannes.
And that's not even all of it. Keep an eye out for potential films from Julia Ducournau Joachim Trier and more international auteurs. Cannes 2025 is shaping up to be a real global cinematic event.
Why All the Hype? Cannes' Oscar Power and Post-Strike Comeback
So why is everyone so excited about Cannes? Well Cannes isn't just any film festival. It's like the ultimate launchpad for serious movies especially when it comes to awards season. Last year's Palme d'Or winner "Anora" went all the way to the Oscars and "Emilia Pérez" another Cannes fave got a ton of nominations. Cannes has serious Oscar cred.
Plus after the Hollywood strikes things were a bit quieter in 2024. But 2025 is feeling like a major comeback. Insiders are saying there's "real pressure on slots" at Cannes because so many top-tier films are being submitted. It is going to be a battle to get in which means only the cream of the crop will make the cut. For movie buffs that's a very good thing.
Cannes Contenders at a Glance: Must-See Movies Potentially Heading to the Croisette
Want a quick checklist of movies to watch out for at Cannes 2025? Here's a handy list of potential big hitters based on early buzz:
- Highest 2 Lowest - Directed by Spike Lee starring Denzel Washington
- Father Mother Sister Brother - Directed by Jim Jarmusch starring Cate Blanchett Adam Driver
- The Phoenician Scheme - Directed by Wes Anderson starring Benicio del Toro Tom Hanks
- Nouvelle Vague - Directed by Richard Linklater
- Eddington - Directed by Ari Aster starring Joaquin Phoenix Emma Stone
- The Chronology of Water - Directed by Kristen Stewart
- Sentimental Value - Directed by Joachim Trier
- Alpha - Directed by Julia Ducournau
- Amrum - Directed by Fatih Akin
This is just a taste of the potential lineup of course. Cannes always has surprises up its sleeve but these films are definitely ones to keep on your radar.
Hold Your Horses: Big Movies NOT Expected to Premiere at Cannes (This Time)
Before you get too hyped it is good to know some big movies that are likely skipping Cannes. Don't expect to see these films on the Croisette this year (according to early reports ):
- Bugonia - Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
- The Lost Bus - Directed by Paul Greengrass
- Materialists - Directed by Celine Song
- Sacrifice - Directed by Romain Gavras
- In the Hand of Dante - Directed by Julian Schnabel
- The Smashing Machine - Directed by Benny Safdie
- Dracula: A Love Tale - Directed by Luc Besson
- One Battle After Another - Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
- The Avenging Silence - Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (not even filming yet!)
These movies might pop up at other festivals like Venice or Toronto or just head straight for a theatrical release. But for Cannes 2025 these probably are not on the cards.
Cannes Countdown is On: Get Ready for a Movie Lover's Paradise in 2025
So there you have it folks an early peek at what Cannes Film Festival 2025 could look like. With Spike Lee possibly bringing a new Denzel movie and a ton of other top directors in the mix it is shaping up to be an amazing year for cinema. Start making your watchlists get your popcorn ready and prepare for another year of incredible films from around the globe. Cannes we are ready for you!