Actor John C. Reilly is stepping behind the scenes for a major new role. The acclaimed performer will lead the international competition jury at the Chicago International Film Festival’s 62nd edition, which runs from October 14 to 25, 2026.
Reilly will head a five-member panel of filmmakers from around the world. Together, they will select winners of the festival’s prestigious Gold Hugo for Best Film and Silver Hugo awards.
John C. Reilly to Lead International Jury
The jury will recognize outstanding work across several major filmmaking categories. These include directing, acting, cinematography and screenwriting.
Reilly brings decades of experience to the role. More importantly, his career has crossed genres and filmmaking styles. He has earned recognition for performances in films such as Hard Eight, Magnolia, The Lobster and The Sisters Brothers.
As a result, his new festival role adds another dimension to his long-running connection with cinema.
A Jury Featuring Global Filmmakers
Reilly will not be making the decisions alone. He will be joined by four accomplished filmmakers from different cinematic backgrounds.
Italian writer-director Carolina Cavalli is part of the panel. Her film The Kidnapping of Arabella previously screened at the festival.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Davy Chou will bring his international filmmaking experience to the jury. He is known for the acclaimed film Return to Seoul.
Ildikó Enyedi and Henk Handloegten Join
Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi is another key member of the panel. The Golden Bear-winning director adds extensive experience in international cinema.
German screenwriter and filmmaker Henk Handloegten completes the five-member jury. He is also known for his work as a showrunner on the acclaimed series Babylon Berlin.
Together, the panel represents a wide range of filmmaking experiences. That mix will be central to the festival’s international competition.
Gold Hugo and Silver Hugo Awards
The jury will have an important task during the festival. Members will select the recipient of the Gold Hugo for Best Film.
In addition, the panel will present Silver Hugo awards. These honors recognize achievements in areas such as directing, acting, cinematography and screenwriting.
Therefore, the jury’s decisions will highlight both individual creative achievements and standout films from the competition.
More Jury Appointments Announced
Reilly’s appointment is part of a larger lineup of jury announcements for the 2026 festival. Several other competitions will also feature dedicated panels.
The New Directors Competition, for instance, will spotlight emerging filmmakers. At the same time, the Documentary Competition will recognize work from the world of nonfiction cinema.
The OutLook Competition will also return. The section focuses on LGBTQ+ cinema and will have its own jury and awards.
Chicago Film Festival Prepares for 2026
The 62nd Chicago International Film Festival is set to bring filmmakers and movie lovers together from October 14 through October 25.
The festival is widely recognized as North America’s longest-running competitive international film festival. Over the years, it has become an important platform for international, independent and emerging cinema.
This year, audiences can once again expect a diverse selection of films and special events.
International Oscar Contenders Take the Spotlight
The festival will also put the spotlight on international Oscar contenders. On October 17, filmmakers connected to this year’s international feature submissions will take part in a special panel.
The Hollywood Reporter senior writer Seth Abramovitch will moderate the discussion. The event will give audiences an opportunity to hear directly from filmmakers involved in the international awards race.
Moreover, the festival’s industry programming will bring together filmmakers and entertainment professionals for additional conversations about cinema.
Reilly’s Connection to the Festival
Reilly’s latest role also continues his relationship with the Chicago International Film Festival. Previously, Cinema/Chicago honored him with a Career Achievement Award during its 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée.
Now, he is returning in a very different capacity.
Instead of appearing on screen, Reilly will help evaluate films and performances from around the world. Consequently, the appointment gives the actor a chance to explore another side of the filmmaking world.
A New Chapter for John C. Reilly
John C. Reilly has built a career that spans comedy, drama, independent films and major Hollywood productions. Now, his experience will come into play as he leads one of the festival’s most important juries.
With an international group of filmmakers beside him, Reilly will help determine which films and artists receive top honors at the 2026 Chicago International Film Festival.
The festival’s October edition promises plenty of cinematic highlights. And with Reilly at the center of its international competition jury, his latest behind-the-scenes role is one to watch.
Stay tuned for more updates on John C. Reilly, the Chicago International Film Festival and the biggest entertainment news from around the world.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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