Cannes, France – Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen, known for his critically acclaimed films such as “Stockholm” and “The Realm,” has been announced as the jury president for this year’s Cannes Critics’ Week. The festival sidebar, organized by the French film critics’ union, focuses on the debut and sophomore works of emerging directors. Sorogoyen expressed his gratitude for being selected and acknowledged the great responsibility that comes with the role.
Critics’ Week, established by a group of French film critics in 1962, holds the distinction of being the oldest non-official sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of renowned filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Andrea Arnold, and Justine Triet.
In the previous edition of Critics’ Week, the top prize went to “Tiger Stripes,” the debut film by Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu. Meanwhile, the jury prize was awarded to the Belgian drama “It’s Raining in the House,” directed by Paloma Sermon-Daï.
The jury of Critics’ Week bestows awards in several categories, including best film, the French Touch Prize of the Jury, the Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award for best actor or actress, and the Leitz Ciné Discovery Prize for best short film.
The 63rd edition of Critics’ Week, known as La Semaine de la Critique, is scheduled to take place from May 15 to 23. The selection promises to showcase the fresh talents and innovative storytelling of emerging directors from around the world.
Cannes Critics’ Week continues to be a crucial platform for rising filmmakers, providing them with the opportunity to gain recognition and exposure on an international stage. With Sorogoyen as this year’s jury president, the event remains as influential as ever in shaping the landscape of independent and arthouse cinema.