CANNES — The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) has officially unveiled its jury lineup for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, continuing its nearly century-long tradition of honoring cinematic excellence.
The 2026 jury will be presided over by Pamela Jahn (UK) and features a diverse assembly of critics from across the globe, including Renaud Baronian (France), Elvira Del Guercio (Italy), and Ivonete Medianeira Pinto (Brazil).
Notably, the selection includes Iranian screenwriter, editor, and film critic Pouya Aghelizadeh, who is an occasional contributor to High on Films. Aghelizadeh’s appointment to the Cannes jury follows his extensive work covering world cinema—including previous jury service at the Busan International Film Festival and the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival. His selection highlights a bridge between independent critical platforms like High on Films and the industry’s most established international bodies.
A Global Critical Perspective
Aghelizadeh, one of only six Iranian members of FIPRESCI, brings a specialized background in dramatic literature and cinematic theory to the panel. Beyond his contributions to High on Films, his analysis frequently explores the “Gaze” in the works of masters like Tarkovsky and Bergman, while his practical experience includes over a decade of festival direction and workshops on the “Art of Editing.”
Jury Mandate and Awards
The FIPRESCI jury is tasked with awarding three distinct prizes during the festival:
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Main Competition: One award for a film within the primary lineup.
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Un Certain Regard: One award for a film in the festival’s secondary competitive section.
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Parallel Sections: A third award dedicated to a debut feature selected from the Directors’ Fortnight or Critics’ Week.
Professional Program & Ceremony
In addition to jury deliberations, the organization will host a roundtable discussion at the Egyptian Pavilion on May 15. Titled “The State of Critique Today, in the Arab World & Beyond,” the panel will examine how the field responds to the economic and digital pressures of the modern era.
The official FIPRESCI Award Ceremony is scheduled for May 23 at 15:30 at Les Ambassadeurs within the Palais des Festivals.
For more details on the full jury and the 2026 program, see the reports from FIPRESCI and the Tehran Times.
