The Marrakech International Film Festival has named Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard as the Jury President for its 23rd edition. The appointment marks a significant return for the French star, who has been a recurring presence at the event since its inception in 2001.
Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, the festival remains dedicated to highlighting new voices in global cinema. Cotillard will lead a jury in selecting the winner of the Étoile d’Or (Golden Star), the festival’s top prize. This year’s competition focuses exclusively on directors presenting their first or second feature films, a specialization that Cotillard noted is central to the event’s identity.
A Longstanding Connection to Marrakech
Cotillard’s new role as president is being framed as a homecoming. Having attended the festival’s inaugural years, she expressed a deep personal connection to its mission. In an official statement, she noted that the act of supporting filmmakers as they take their first professional steps is ingrained in the festival’s “DNA.”
The actress takes over the leadership of the jury following previous presidents who have included Thomas Vinterberg in 2024 and Jessica Chastain in 2023. According to Screen Daily, the festival’s international competition serves as a primary platform for emerging talent, often providing a launchpad for directors who go on to achieve broader international recognition.
While the full list of films and the other members of the jury have not yet been announced, the festival organizers have confirmed that the selection will maintain its rigorous focus on debut and sophomore works. The 2026 event continues the tradition of bringing high-profile cinematic figures to Morocco to evaluate the next generation of filmmakers.
