Since 1974, the Cannes Film Festival has hosted an Ecumenical Jury made up of six members from different Christian churches. For the 2026 edition, taking place May 12–23, the jury's composition has been announced. These six individuals, chosen by Interfilm (the international Protestant film organization) and SIGNIS (the World Catholic Association for Communication), are film professionals, theologians, or scholars, all united by a common passion: bridging faith and cinematic art.
Each year, the Ecumenical Jury awards a prize to a film from the official competition, recognizing a work that combines artistic quality with universal Gospel values. As the official website states, the aim is to highlight films that "carry values of the Gospel widely shared across all cultures."
The 2026 Jury Members
This year, the jury is chaired by Annette Gjerde-Hansen from Norway. She is joined by Adrián Baccaro (Argentina), Catherine Escrive (France), Jakob Hoffmann (Germany), Vincent Miéville (France), and Rubén de la Prida Caballero (Spain). Each brings their own sensibility and expertise, ensuring a rich and diverse deliberation.
Vincent Miéville: Pastor and Film Enthusiast
Among the members, Vincent Miéville stands out for his dual background. An evangelical pastor and former president of the Union of Free Evangelical Churches in France, he is also a passionate film lover and author of Bible & Popcorn (Bibli'O). His presence exemplifies the jury's mission: to weave connections between Christian faith and contemporary film culture.
Cinema That Questions and Elevates
Film, like all art, can be a vehicle for meaning and spirituality. The Ecumenical Jury seeks to discern, among the competing films, those that touch on what is essential: human dignity, justice, reconciliation, hope. These themes resonate deeply with the Christian message.
As the apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8, NIV). This exhortation can guide our viewing of films: seek what uplifts and inspires.
An Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue
The Ecumenical Jury is not only a body for artistic discernment; it is also a meeting place for Christians of different denominations, open to interfaith dialogue. This year again, the six members, united in their faith, testify to the richness of Christian diversity.
Jesus himself prayed for the unity of his disciples: "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21, NIV). The jury's work is a modest but beautiful illustration of that unity in diversity.
Seeing the World Through Christian Eyes
As Christians, we are called to be present in every area of society, including culture. Film, with its immense power to evoke and influence, deserves our attention and prayer. The work of the Ecumenical Jury reminds us that it is possible to combine faith and culture without compromise.
Let's take a moment to reflect: what films, series, or artistic works have moved us recently? Did they carry values that resonate with our faith? How can we, in our own way, encourage a culture that uplifts the soul and honors God?
May the Lord bless the work of these six jurors, and may their decisions help many find glimpses of divine truth and beauty.
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