Payal Kapadia Becomes Jury Chair for the Cannes Critics’ Week 2026
Following her 2024 Grand Prix win for "All We Imagine as Light," Indian filmmaker returns to Cannes to lead the jury of the prestigious Semaine de la Critique, championing the next generation of voices.
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Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to preside over one of the most vital platforms for emerging talent in global cinema. The acclaimed director, whose 2024 feature All We Imagine as Light secured the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, has been appointed as the President of the Jury for the 65th Semaine de la Critique (Critics' Week).
The section, organized by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics, will run from May 13 to May 21, 2026, in Cannes. Kapadia, who previously served on the main competition jury last year, returns to the French Riviera with a renewed commitment to nurturing independent cinema.
A Journey Rooted in Cannes
Kapadia's relationship with the festival spans nearly a decade. Her journey began in 2017 when her short film Afternoon Clouds premiered at the festival's Cinéfondation section. She returned in 2021 with her debut feature, the hybrid documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which was selected for the Directors' Fortnight and won the prestigious L'Oeil d'Or (Golden Eye) for Best Documentary.
Her trajectory reached a new height in 2024 when All We Imagine as Light not only premiered at Cannes but took home the Grand Prix, cementing her status as one of the most significant voices in contemporary cinema. Now, as Jury Chair, she brings that experience back to the section that helped launch her career.
The 2026 Jury Lineup
To fulfill her mission, Kapadia will be joined by a diverse and internationally renowned jury:
- Théodore Pellerin: Quebecois actor known for his versatile performances.
- Oklou: Singer-songwriter bringing a unique artistic perspective.
- Ama Ampadu: Ghanaian-British producer with a focus on diverse storytelling.
- Donsaron Kovitvanitcha: Journalist and Director of the Bangkok World Film Festival.
Together, they will evaluate the entries to award the La Semaine de la Critique Ami Paris Grand Prize for the best feature film, the Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award for the best actor or actress, and the Sony Discovery Prize for the best short film.
As the industry looks toward the 2026 edition, Kapadia's leadership promises to highlight the "invisible lives, class struggles, and realities of women's lives" that have become hallmarks of her own poetic and politically charged cinema.
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