Kelvin Harrison Jr. to Lead Golden Globes Documentary Jury at Cannes

Kelvin Harrison Jr. to Honor Documentary Excellence at 79th Cannes Film Festival

The 79th Cannes Film Festival is set to welcome a major star to its jury ranks. Actor and producer Kelvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the panel for the Golden Globes Prize for Documentary, a prestigious award held in partnership with the Artemis Rising Foundation.

Harrison Jr., known for his standout roles in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, will not only serve as a juror but will also present the award during the ceremony on May 18.

 

 

 

 

 

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From Mufasa to the French Riviera

Currently one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, Harrison Jr. is voicing Taka in the highly anticipated Mufasa: The Lion King and portraying Jean-Michel Basquiat in Samo Lives. His transition into the world of film festivals reflects his growing influence in the industry.

"I’m honored to celebrate the extraordinary documentary filmmakers whose work shines a light on urgent stories around the world," the actor stated, emphasizing his commitment to social narratives.

Elevating the Documentary Genre

Launched in 2025, this specific prize aims to bring non-fiction storytelling from the sidelines to the center stage. The award includes a EUR 10,000 cash prize for a filmmaker whose work tackles pressing global issues.

This year’s jury features heavy hitters in the industry, including:

• Helen Hoehne: President of the Golden Globes.

• Regina K. Scully: Academy Award-winning producer and founder of Artemis Rising Foundation.

• Geralyn White Dreyfous: Co-founder of Impact Partners.

• Danielle Turkov Wilson: CEO of Think-Film Impact Production.

High-Profile Finalists

The competition for the 2026 prize is fierce, featuring world-renowned directors. The jury will evaluate films from the Cannes official selection and special screenings, with finalists including Steven Soderbergh, Ron Howard, Diego Luna, and Gessica Généus.

The winner will be announced at an exclusive event at the Plage des Palmes. As documentaries struggle for mainstream visibility, this partnership between the Golden Globes and Artemis Rising Foundation serves as a vital platform for filmmakers capturing the world’s rawest truths.