Cannes 2025 Just Got Wilder: Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Stewart, and Spike Lee Headline Bold New Additions
If you thought the Cannes Film Festival lineup for 2025 was already jam-packed with cinematic greatness, guess what? They’ve just thrown a curveball of last-minute additions that seriously crank up the excitement. The 78th edition of this prestigious festival is turning into an all-out movie lover’s paradise. From chilling thrillers to deeply emotional memoirs, the new entries range across genres, continents, and styles—and we’re here for it.
Let’s dive into the fresh batch of films that just got the Cannes stamp of approval.
🎬 Big Names, Big Drama: Lawrence & Pattinson in Ramsay's Comeback
One of the biggest headline-grabbers? Lynne Ramsay is officially back. And she’s not playing it safe.
Her new film, Die, My Love, made it into the competition lineup just in time—and it’s already buzzing as a must-see. This marks Ramsay’s return to the Croisette since 2017, when You Were Never Really Here snagged Best Screenplay at Cannes and reminded everyone of her unique, punch-you-in-the-gut filmmaking style.
This time around, she’s teamed up with none other than Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. Lawrence plays a wife spiraling into madness in a quiet countryside town, and yes, she’s married to Pattinson’s character—so cue the intense emotional fireworks.
But wait, the cast doesn’t stop there. LaKeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, and Sissy Spacek are also part of this wild ride. The film, based on the novel by Ariana Harwicz, sounds like a genre-bending cocktail of horror, black comedy, and heartbreak. Ramsay co-wrote the script with Enda Walsh, and it’s said to be as disturbing as it is poetic.
So, yeah—expect to see Lawrence and Pattinson turning heads on the red carpet with the iconic Cannes flashbulbs lighting up the night.
🌊 Kristen Stewart Takes the Director’s Chair
Another juicy entry? Kristen Stewart’s long-awaited directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, is finally making its splash—and it’s diving straight into the Un Certain Regard section.
This deeply personal film stars Imogen Poots and is adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s raw and radical memoir. The story traces a woman’s journey from trauma and abuse to salvation—found in the most unexpected place: the swimming pool. It’s lyrical. It’s fierce. It’s powerful. And Stewart has been working on this passion project for years.
If she brings even half the energy she’s known for in her acting, this could be a serious contender for the Camera d’Or.
🇮🇷 Iranian Masterclass: Saeed Roustaee Is Back
Let’s not overlook Saeed Roustaee, who’s bringing the heat once again after his 2022 Palme d’Or-nominated Leila’s Brothers. His new film, Woman and Child, is officially joining the competition—and considering his knack for crafting sprawling family dramas with depth and emotional impact, we’re expecting big things.
If you’re not already familiar with his work, just know he’s a major voice in Iranian cinema and regularly collaborates with some of the country’s most revered talent, including Taraneh Alidoosti, known for working with Asghar Farhadi.
Roustaee’s new film is tightly under wraps, but Cannes wouldn’t add him this late unless they were sure he’s bringing something seriously special.
🌍 Around the World with Un Certain Regard
The Un Certain Regard section this year is shaping up to be a globe-trotting adventure. Alongside Stewart’s debut, look out for:
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Simón Mesa Soto’s Un Poeta – We don’t have all the details yet, but if his previous work is anything to go by, expect delicate storytelling with rich emotional layers.
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Pedro Pinho’s O Riso e a Faca (Le Rire et le Couteau) – With a title that translates to The Laughter and the Knife, this one sounds like a philosophical trip.
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Kōji Fukada’s Renai Saiban – Japan’s own master of relationship drama is back with what promises to be a twisty narrative.
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Hlynur Pálmason’s Astin Sem Eftir Er – Icelandic cinema always brings the chills, visually and emotionally.
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Lav Diaz’s Magalhaes – The legendary Filipino director is known for epic-length films with political undertones. This one’s no doubt a thinker.
🌃 Midnight Madness and Special Screenings
Who doesn’t love the Midnight Screenings? These are the slots where Cannes lets things get a little weird—and a lot of fun. This year:
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Vincent Maël Cardona’s Le Roi Soleil and
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Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t starring the effortlessly cool Margaret Qualley
will be turning the night owls into superfans.
Meanwhile, in the Special Screenings section:
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"Amelie et la Metaphysique des Tubes" by Maïlys Vallade & Liane-Cho Han
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"Mama" from Israeli filmmaker Or Sinai
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"Arco" by Ugo Bienvenu
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"Qui Brille au Combat" from Josephine Japy
All bring something unique to the table, whether it’s animation, documentary, or meditative fiction.
And in a heartfelt tribute to beloved French comic actor Pierre Richard, the festival will screen L’Homme Qui a Vu L’Ours Qui a Vu L’Homme (yes, that’s quite the title!).
🎥 Still Not Enough? Check These Out Too
Let’s not forget that this year’s main competition lineup was already fire before these additions. Here are just a few of the big names you’ll be seeing:
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Wes Anderson – The Phoenician Scheme
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Kelly Reichardt – The Mastermind
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Ari Aster – Eddington
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Julia Ducournau – Alpha
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Spike Lee – Highest 2 Lowest
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Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
That’s not just a list—it’s a dream team of modern filmmaking. And now, with Ramsay, Roustaee, Stewart, and more entering the chat, Cannes 2025 might just go down as one of the boldest, most diverse editions in recent memory.
📅 So, What’s Next?
With the full lineup now finalized, all eyes turn to May when the Palais des Festivals becomes the center of the film universe. Expect fashion, fierce debate, standing ovations, walkouts, and maybe even a few surprise drops.
If you’re a cinephile, start clearing your schedule now. Cannes 2025 isn’t just another year on the Croisette—it’s a cinematic showdown you won’t want to miss.
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