The Cannes Film Festival 2025 could well mark a decisive step in the recognition of women directors, with a selection that looks promising for those who are shaking up the world of cinema. At a time when the industry is striving to give more space to women behind the camera, this edition could finally see a real change in the composition of the official competition.

Among the most eagerly awaited names, Julia Ducournau, who won a Palme d'Or in 2021 for Titane, could be making a comeback with Alpha, a project that is still being kept under wraps but promises to be just as audacious. Kristen Stewart, meanwhile, makes her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's autobiographical story exploring the themes of resilience and self-reconstruction. Another actress to step behind the camera, Scarlett Johansson, could also join the competition with Eleanor the Great, an intimate drama about an intergenerational friendship that would reveal a new facet of her career. With such a diverse range of offerings, this year's festival could well see a stronger female presence than ever on the Croisette. European cinema is not to be outdone, with the possible selection of acclaimed Italian director Alice Rohrwacher, who could offer a new work with poetic overtones. Céline Sciamma, whose every film is an event, could also return with an as yet undisclosed project. 

The rise of women directors is not limited to films in competition. Juliette Binoche's appointment as jury president this year, succeeding Greta Gerwig in 2024, bears witness to a gradual shift in the recognition of women at Cannes. If these predictions are borne out, 2025 could prove to be a key year for the place of women directors in world cinema. A step forward which, while encouraging, will need to be sustained over time to truly transform the industry.