Iris Knobloch Re-Elected as Cannes Film Festival President for Second Term
Iris Knobloch has been re-elected as president of the Cannes Film Festival for a second three-year term. The decision, made unanimously by the festival’s board of directors, ensures Knobloch will continue to lead the iconic French event for the editions spanning 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Knobloch, a German-born, Paris-based former Warner Bros executive, made history in 2022 as the first woman to assume the festival's presidency. She will continue to collaborate with longtime general delegate Thierry Fremaux to shape the direction of the festival.
In a statement following her re-election, Knobloch outlined her priorities: “Safeguarding the festival’s artistic excellence, championing creative freedom, and upholding the festival’s humanistic values will be the priorities guiding my efforts.”
She also emphasized her commitment to equality, particularly in empowering women in cinema, saying, “I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that the festival remains a space of equality and recognition for all, with a special focus on empowering women to showcase their incredible creativity.”
Under her leadership, Cannes will aim to maintain its role as a global hub for cinematic creativity and innovation. She pledged to protect the independence of the festival’s selection process and support emerging talents.
Knobloch’s second term will officially commence in July 2025, following the conclusion of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from May 13-24, 2025.
Knobloch’s re-election signals continued confidence in her leadership as Cannes navigates the evolving landscape of global cinema while remaining dedicated to its foundational principles of artistic freedom, inclusion, and technological innovation.