Cannes Film Festival: Could Scarlett Johansson or Harris Dickinson Win Un Certain Regard Prize?

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival, set to run from May 13th to May 24th, 2025, is once again generating significant buzz, particularly around its Un Certain Regard section. This sidebar to the main Palme d’Or competition, introduced in 1978, highlights films with unique styles and non-traditional narratives, often showcasing emerging talent and daring cinematic works. This year, the section features intriguing directorial debuts from established actors Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson, prompting speculation about their chances of winning the coveted Un Certain Regard Prize.

BEO Betting Odds Heavily Favor “No”

As the festival approaches, BEO Betting Odds are offering insights into the potential outcomes. Currently, the odds strongly suggest that neither Scarlett Johansson, with her film Eleanor The Great, nor Harris Dickinson, with Urchin, will take home the top prize in the Un Certain Regard category. The odds stand at a remarkably short 1.06, translating to a high probability of 94.34% that both filmmakers will leave the Croisette without this specific award. This dominant betting position indicates a strong market consensus against either debut director clinching the prize.

For the latest odds, visit betentodds.com.

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Runner-Up Option: Could One Triumph?

While the overwhelming odds point towards neither Johansson nor Dickinson winning, BEO Betting Odds does offer a runner-up betting option: that one of them could indeed win the Un Certain Regard Prize. This represents the less probable scenario according to current market sentiment but acknowledges the inherent unpredictability of festival juries and the potential impact these high-profile debuts might have. A win for either Johansson or Dickinson would be considered an upset against the prevailing odds.

Other Contenders Emerge as Experts Wait

Formal expert predictions for the Un Certain Regard prize are yet to solidify, which is common at this stage before the films have screened and critical buzz fully forms. However, the lineup boasts a strong field of contenders alongside Johansson and Dickinson. Among those generating early interest are Kristen Stewart with her own directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, and Charlie Polinger with The Plague.

The Un Certain Regard section, known for its focus on “different” and formally bold cinema, includes 20 films this year. Other notable entries include works from established directors returning to the section and promising newcomers, making the competition for the €30,000 prize (funded by the Groupama GAN Foundation to aid French distribution) particularly fierce.

Final Thoughts: A Long Shot for the Star Directors?

Based purely on the current BEO Betting Odds, the chances of either Scarlett Johansson or Harris Dickinson winning the Un Certain Regard Prize appear slim. The market heavily favors other films in the diverse and competitive lineup. However, Cannes is renowned for surprises, and the reception of their films by the jury, headed this year by Xavier Dolan, and festival audiences could dramatically shift perceptions. While Eleanor The Great and Urchin face an uphill battle, their presence adds significant star power and anticipation to the Un Certain Regard section, making it one of the most watched competitions at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The coming weeks will reveal whether these directorial debuts can defy the odds and capture one of Cannes’ prestigious awards.