Greta Gerwig: 1st Female American Director To Be Cannes Jury Head

Greta Gerwig is making history again by becoming the first female American director to serve as jury president at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, from today until May 25, 2024. This groundbreaking announcement was made last year by the festival, praising Gerwig as a "heroine of our modern times" who has challenged the "status quo" in the film industry. 

Greta Gerwig Set As Jury President At 2024 Cannes Film Festival

Expressing her excitement, Gerwig stated, "I am stunned, thrilled, and humbled to be serving as the president of the Cannes Film Festival Jury. I cannot wait to see what journeys are in store for all of us."

A passionate cinephile, Gerwig emphasised her love for films and the transformative experience of watching them. She described Cannes as the pinnacle of cinematic expression, where the universal language of movies reaches its highest form. Gerwig expressed her joy in being in a dark theatre, surrounded by strangers, and experiencing the vulnerability of watching a brand-new film.

At 40 years old, Greta Gerwig is not only the first American female director to lead the Cannes Jury but also the youngest person to take on this role since Sofia Loren, who presided over the jury at age 31 in 1966.

Cannes highlighted Greta Gerwig's career trajectory, recognising her early films such as Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007) and Nights and Weekends (2008), which she co-wrote, starred in and co-directed alongside Joe Swanberg. The festival also acknowledged her collaborations with Noah Baumbach on Frances Ha (2012) and Mistress America (2015).

Greta Gerwig Made History

With Barbie, Greta Gerwig made history as the first solo female director to lead a billion-dollar-grossing film. The movie received acclaim for its clever, feminist take on the popular toy line, embracing unconventional elements and an unexpected closing line. Variety's report highlights the film's 'candy-coated visuals' by Rodrigo Prieto and the vibrant performances of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, suggesting strong prospects for recognition by the Academy when nominations are unveiled in January 2024.

Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach Tied The Knot In New York

Meanwhile, on the personal front, Greta Gerwig tied the knot with Noah Baumbach after a 12-year-long relationship. According to a source from People, the couple exchanged vows at New York City Hall. Their journey began when they met on the set of the 2010 film Greenberg, and they began dating a year later. In a July interview with Elle UK, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach revealed the arrival of their second child. Their first child, Harold Ralph Gerwig Baumbach, was born in March 2019.

They collaborated on the screenplay for Barbie. Baumbach expressed his admiration for working with Gerwig, sharing that their creative synergy extends to their work. He mentioned the joy of witnessing her craft and the reciprocal inspiration they draw from each other's projects. In a statement to Vogue last December, Noah Baumbach discussed the joy of collaborating with Gerwig.

He expressed the pleasure they derive from writing together, saying, "I think the pleasure of writing for us is that it seeps into everything. I'd show her a cut of my movie, and then a few months later, I'm watching her movie. I don't want to sound sickeningly happy, but it's a truly great thing to watch someone you love make something and love the thing they make. I don't know how else to say it without saying great a lot."

Couple's Nominations For Oscars 2020

Both were previously nominated for Oscars in 2020 for their individual achievements in filmmaking. Baumbach was recognised for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for Marriage Story, while Gerwig received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Little Women. Baumbach publicly credited his wife for influencing him positively in both his personal and professional lives. He confessed that he strives to impress her whenever they collaborate on writing, believing that their partnership elevates his work.