Cannes Film Festival: Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson Make Their Directorial Debuts

At the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, two prominent actors, Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson, are stepping behind the camera for their directorial debuts. This exciting news was announced during a press conference in Paris by Thierry Frémaux, Cannes’ delegate general, and the festival’s president, Iris Knobloch.

Johansson’s Film: Eleanor the Great

Scarlett Johansson, widely recognized for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will unveil her film Eleanor the Great. This poignant narrative centers on a 90-year-old woman residing in Florida who forms an unexpected friendship with a 19-year-old student in New York City. The film features a talented cast, including June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and Erin Kellyman.

Dickinson’s Feature: Urchin

On the other hand, Harris Dickinson, known for his performance in Babygirl, will present his directorial effort titled Urchin. This film tells the story of a drifter named Frank Dillane navigating the streets of London. Notably, Dickinson will not exclusively focus on directing; he is also set to portray John Lennon in an upcoming biopic directed by Sam Mendes, scheduled for a 2028 release.

Cannes Competition Lineup Highlights

The Cannes competition lineup this year is impressive, featuring several distinguished auteurs. Among the notable entries is The Mastermind directed by Kelly Reichardt, an art-heist drama set during the Vietnam War starring Josh O’Connor and John Magaro. Additionally, Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier returns with Sentimental Value, showcasing Renate Reinsve, after his previous success with The Worst Person of the World in 2021. Furthermore, the acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi will present his latest drama, A Simple Accident, back in competition this year.

Additional Anticipated Features

This year’s festival promises an array of hotly anticipated features. Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme includes an ensemble cast featuring Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, and Tom Hanks. Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague will star Guillaume Marbeck and Zoey Deutch, while Ari Aster’s Eddington boasts a lineup that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler.

Record-Breaking Selection Process

Notably, the Cannes Film Festival has reached an all-time high this year, screening a remarkable 2,909 feature films during its selection process. For those interested in the complete lineup for the 2025 festival, more details can be found here.