The Marrakech Film Festival has officially disclosed the composition of its jury for the current edition. As previously confirmed, the panel is led by French actress Marion Cotillard. The group of judges is tasked with evaluating the fourteen films currently in competition to determine the recipients of the festival's top award, the Étoile d’Or.
Joining Cotillard is Danish actor Claes Bang, who has achieved global recognition for his performance in Ruben Östlund’s “The Square.” That film went on to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Also serving as a judge is Luxembourgish actress Vicky Krieps. She first gained international attention for her role opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread.” Subsequently, she received a specific award at Cannes for her portrayal in “Corsage.”
The jury also features Franco-British actress Emma Mackey. Mackey was initially discovered by audiences through the television series “Sex Education.” She has since starred in major motion pictures such as “Death on the Nile” and “Barbie.” Looking ahead, she is set to appear in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming project, “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.”
French actor Gilles Lellouche rounds out the acting contingent. He built his reputation through performances in films including “Little White Lies,” “The Stronghold,” and “All Your Faces.” More recently, Lellouche transitioned to directing with projects like “Sink or Swim” and “Beating Hearts.” Both of these directorial works were presented at the Cannes Film Festival.
Several filmmakers from various regions are also part of the panel. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania is included for her innovative work that blends documentary and fiction. Her films “Four Daughters” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” were both nominated for Academy Awards. Her approach to cinema is noted for turning the boundary between these two genres into a space for creative exploration.
British director Andrew Haigh is another member of the jury. Known for directing “45” and “All of Us Strangers,” Haigh explores themes of romantic intimacy and the impact of the past. His work is characterized by a rare sensitivity in handling these subjects.
Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy is also on the list. Her debut feature, “Banel & Adama,” tells a story about the power of unconditional love with fairy-tale elements. The film made a significant international debut when it was selected for the main competition at Cannes.
Finally, the jury includes Moroccan director and producer Saïd Hamich Benlarbi. He has a personal connection to the festival's competition, having presented his second feature film, “Across the Sea,” in 2024. He returns to Marrakech this year in the capacity of a juror rather than a competitor.
The jury will convene to deliberate on the entries throughout the festival. The official announcement of the winners is scheduled for November 28, which will take place during the closing ceremony.
