Stellan Skarsgård has been to the Cannes Film Festival many times, but has never had the time or opportunity to see any films other than those he himself has been in. Most recently in 2025 he was there with “Sentimental Value”, previously with “Breaking the Waves”, “Melancholia” and “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote”.
But now that will change. As a jury member, he has to watch about twenty films competing for the Palme d'Or and other awards. He told TT:
It's the first time I've done something like this. I've been asked a few times but have always said no. Now I felt like I had the time. And the idea of seeing a lot of hopefully good films appealed to me.
Two weeks of hard work
One of the films to be judged is “Fjord” - starring Renate Reinsve, who played his daughter in “Sentimental Value”.
Yes, if it feels like there's a movie where you're biased, then you have to stand back and let others decide.
Now two weeks await him at the luxurious Hotel Majestic, a stone's throw from the festival palace - but two weeks of hard work. The films will be viewed and judged, and on May 23, the film world's finest awards will be presented.
Filming for the yet-untitled TV series, in which Skarsgård plays the drama's villain, begins in July. Filming will take place partly in the US and partly in France.
Star-studded jury
It was already clear that this year's festival jury would be led by Korean director Park Chan-Wook.
74-year-old Skarsgård is also assisted in the jury work by actor Demi Moore, director Chloé Zhao, actor Ruth Negga, director Laura Wandel, director Diego Céspedes, actor Isaach De Bankolé and screenwriter Paul Laverty.
The Cannes Film Festival is held May 12–23 this year.
Corrected: In a previous version, the wrong date for the festival was given.
