Scarlett Johansson Shines Bright at Cannes—On Screen and Behind the Lens

Scarlett Johansson has never been one to stay in a single lane. From her days as a breakout teen star to becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable names and a symbol of artistic depth, Johansson’s career has consistently defied predictability. And now, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, she’s raising the bar once again—this time appearing on the iconic Croisette both as a performer and a director.

The Oscar-nominated actress and global superstar is playing a pivotal role in Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic wonder, The Phoenician Scheme, while also stepping behind the camera for the very first time with her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great. In a festival packed with promising films and bold debuts, Johansson is not just participating—she’s taking the spotlight by storm.

A Star Returns—In True Wes Anderson Fashion

Fans of quirky aesthetics and richly woven storytelling have much to celebrate. The Phoenician Scheme, directed by Cannes regular Wes Anderson, is already generating buzz as a strong contender for the Palme d’Or—the festival’s highest honor. Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson, the film is said to be a visually eccentric exploration of identity, espionage, and lost civilizations.

Though Anderson is no stranger to Cannes, having had several of his past works featured and awarded, it’s Johansson’s return to such a stylized cinematic world that’s drawing extra attention. Known for her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to even the most abstract of characters, Johansson is expected to deliver yet another unforgettable performance.

From Red Carpet to Director’s Chair

But Johansson isn’t just gracing the red carpet as an actor this year—she’s making a groundbreaking move as a filmmaker. Her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, is part of Cannes’ official lineup and is competing in the prestigious second-tier category. The film tells the poignant story of an elderly woman navigating life and loss after the death of her closest friend—a quiet, powerful exploration of grief, reinvention, and the beauty of growing old.

The film represents a bold new chapter in Johansson’s career, signaling her evolution from a Hollywood megastar to a creative force ready to shape stories from the other side of the lens. And while celebrity-turned-directors aren’t new to the scene, Johansson’s reputation for thoughtful role selection and her depth as a performer sets high expectations for this debut.

Cannes Backs Female Voices

The Cannes Film Festival has long faced scrutiny for its lack of representation when it comes to female directors. This year, however, the winds appear to be shifting. Festival president Iris Knobloch emphasized this progress in a press conference, proudly stating that the organization is committed to showcasing more women-led projects.

“I am honoured to amplify the voices of women,” Knobloch noted, as she discussed the diverse lineup that now includes six films from female directors competing for the top prize.

Johansson’s inclusion, both on-screen and as a director, aligns perfectly with this renewed focus. Eleanor the Great isn’t just a film—it’s a statement about maturity, empathy, and the often-ignored stories of older women. That Johansson chose such a script for her debut says much about where her creative instincts lie.

Scarlett Johansson Shines Bright at Cannes—On Screen and

A Festival of Firsts and Legends

Johansson is not the only star adding new titles to their résumé this year. Harris Dickinson, a rising British talent recently cast as John Lennon in Sir Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles quadrilogy, is also debuting his first directorial film at Cannes. Urchin, a gritty, emotional tale about a homeless man in London, showcases Dickinson’s desire to tell socially resonant stories.

The festival is also drawing attention with entries from celebrated directors such as Jafar Panahi (A Simple Accident), horror auteur Ari Aster (Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone), and American filmmaker Kelly Reichardt (The Mastermind, featuring Josh O’Connor and John Magaro).

Adding a touch of nostalgia and glamour to the proceedings is the legendary Robert De Niro, who will be honored with an honorary Palme d’Or. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise returns to Cannes with the grand finale of the Mission: Impossible series, adding blockbuster energy to an otherwise auteur-driven lineup.

A Defining Moment

For Scarlett Johansson, Cannes 2025 marks more than just a career milestone—it represents a transformation. She has already conquered the Marvel universe, proven her acting chops with Oscar-nominated turns in films like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, and built a global fan base that spans generations. Now, as she shifts behind the camera, she signals a commitment to storytelling that is personal, reflective, and deeply human.

The dual presence of Johansson at Cannes—first as a star in one of the festival’s most anticipated films and then as a director presenting her vision to the world—reflects a rare kind of creative versatility. And in a year where female storytellers are finally being recognized more widely, her emergence as a filmmaker feels both timely and inspiring.

As the red carpet flashes and the world watches Cannes with eager eyes, one thing is certain—Scarlett Johansson is no longer just a leading lady. She’s a leader in cinema.