She has served as President of the Festival de Cannes since July 2022.
The Cannes Film Festival board of directors has unanimously re-elected Iris Knobloch to a second three-year term as festival president. Her new mandate, starting in July 2025, will cover the 2026, 2027 and 2028 editions, ensuring stability and the continuation of the festival’s strategic vision.
Speaking about the re-election, Iris Knobloch said: “I am profoundly honoured to once again receive the trust of our Board of Directors. I take great pride in the success of the past two editions and I am excited to continue this journey alongside our General Delegate Thierry Frémaux and our dedicated teams in the years to come. Together, we will continue working hand in hand to nurture and enhance this magnificent Festival, a unique platform where all films, voices, and talent find their place.
“Safeguarding the Festival’s artistic excellence, championing creative freedom and upholding the Festival’s humanistic values will be the priorities guiding my efforts. I will continue to protect the independence of the selection process, relentlessly support emerging talents, and ensure that Cannes remains a place where cinematic creativity and technological innovation intersect and enrich one another.”
She added: “I also reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that the Festival remains a space of equality and recognition for all, with a special focus on empowering women to showcase their incredible creativity.
“For nearly 80 years, the Festival de Cannes and cinema have shared a unique and enduring love story. We will strive to ensure that this exceptional institution remains a beacon for artists and films worldwide.”
Knobloch’s career spans executive roles at Warner Bros. and Time Warner, where she worked in New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris. A champion of global cinema, she supported The Artist by Michel Hazanavicius, the first French film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture after its Cannes selection. Known for her advocacy of European values, diversity and innovation, Knobloch has been a trailblazer in the evolving film industry landscape.
Knobloch has served as President of the Festival de Cannes since July 2022, earning widespread respect for her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to both French and international filmmaking.
