Biarritz, France – Kristen Stewart, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “Twilight” and “Spencer,” will preside over the competition jury at the fourth edition of the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival. The festival, dedicated to showcasing films centered around youth, is set to take place from June 23 to 28, 2026, in the southwestern French city. This appointment marks another significant step for Stewart, who continues to expand her influence within the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
The Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival, supported by the French luxury house Chanel and founded by fashion veteran Jérôme Pulis, aims to spotlight “youth as a state of the world: a moment of effervescence, transformation and creation, where we build, question and invent in dialogue with the issues of our time,” according to a festival release. Stewart’s selection as jury president underscores the festival’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating cinematic works that explore the complexities of youth culture. The festival will feature a competition of eight long-form films, alongside projections, discussions, and exhibitions.
A Rising Force in Film
Stewart’s involvement with the Biarritz festival builds on a growing list of prestigious jury duties. She previously led the jury at the Berlinale in 2023 and served as a member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Her selection reflects a recognition of her discerning eye and her commitment to independent and auteur-driven cinema. This latest role comes as Stewart continues to forge her own path as a filmmaker, having made her directorial debut last year with “The Chronology of Water.”
The actress, who received an Oscar nomination in 2022 for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s “Spencer,” has consistently demonstrated a willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles. Her work in films like Olivier Assayas’ “Sils Maria,” alongside Juliette Binoche, has solidified her reputation as a versatile and compelling performer. Notably, she was also the first American to receive a César Award, France’s national film award, in 2015, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Sils Maria.”
Chanel’s Continued Support of the Arts
The festival’s partnership with Chanel highlights the luxury brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and emerging talent. Chanel’s backing provides crucial resources for the festival, enabling it to showcase a diverse range of films and host engaging events. The collaboration between the festival and Chanel underscores the growing intersection between fashion and film, and the shared values of creativity and innovation.
Expanding Beyond Acting: Stewart’s Directorial Debut
Stewart’s transition into directing with “The Chronology of Water” has been met with critical acclaim. The film premiered in the “Un Certain Regard” section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, signaling a promising start to her career behind the camera. This experience will undoubtedly inform her perspective as she evaluates the submissions for the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival. Her directorial work demonstrates a desire to explore complex narratives and push creative boundaries, qualities that align with the festival’s mission.
The Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival has also recently welcomed Gregory Caulier, the general delegate of the César Awards, as its head of film, further strengthening its ties to the French film industry. This appointment suggests a continued effort to elevate the festival’s profile and attract high-quality submissions.
As the festival approaches, anticipation is building for the selection of films that will compete for the top prize. With Kristen Stewart at the helm of the jury, the fourth edition of the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival promises to be a celebration of youth, creativity, and the power of cinema. The festival’s organizers will announce the competing films in the coming months, and further details about the event will be released on the official festival website.
The next key date for the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival is the announcement of the films selected for competition, expected in May 2026. Updates and information about the festival can be found on its official website.
What are your thoughts on Kristen Stewart leading the jury at the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival? Share your comments below and let us know what you’re looking forward to seeing from the festival this year.
