Cannes, Tariffs, and the Trump Plot Twist

From runaway production and policy reform to Cannes hot spots, must-see premieres, and a candid conversation with David Hogg.

May 15, 2025

It’s ironic that Donald Trump almost blew up the film business two weeks before the industry’s most important international film festival, Cannes. This may come as a surprise, but I actually really appreciate Trump putting the spotlight on the American film business. Most of you know this already, but for those who don’t, it has been ravaged by runaway production. Originally it was just an exodus from California to states like Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina and New York–but now, the incentives in other countries have become so enticing that production in the United States is trending toward a point where we may no longer be the movie capital of the world. So although it’s my opinion (and the majority of the film industry’s) that these tariffs are nonsense, this has opened up a conversation we need to have.America’s soft power is its greatest tool. It is one of the key elements that sets us apart and allows us to make this expanding world more connected. Film and television are more than just entertainment–they shape culture and worldview. To be honest, the #1 reason I continue to make movies is because there’s almost no other way to influence hearts and minds the way that media can.

As a founding member of Producers United, a group whose focus is keeping the career of producing a sustainable one, we have been strategizing weekly to ensure new policies being proposed at the local, state, and federal levels will actually make an impact. We are using this spotlight the President gave us to raise issues like a federal incentive, improved tax structures, and long-term investment in domestic production. For Angelenos, LA Mayor Karen Bass has made shooting in Los Angeles one of her top priorities, with a big announcement scheduled in the coming days. I hope this administration gets behind it because if they do, America has a chance to reclaim the title of the filmmaking capital of the world. But if they don’t, don’t be surprised if Canada (or the UK or Australia or Eastern Europe) becomes the new Hollywood.

Upcoming live event on 5/27:

As paid members of the Jamie’s List community know, I’m hosting a live Lunch With Jamie conversation on May 27 with Adolescence co-creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (who also stars). Lunch will be from 12-1pm PT, followed by the conversation from 1-2pm PT.

  • General tickets can be purchased HERE

  • If you're a Jamie’s List paid member, your discounted ticket link is at the bottom of this email.

Paid members get discounted tickets, first dibs on all live events, and priority seating—just one of many perks of joining.

This will be the last event that I host at this location, as Genghis Cohen will officially be relocating on May 31st (don’t worry – it’s not closing. You will still be able to get your favorite Chinese food in LA just down the block).

Last year’s Cannes dispatch covered most of the heavy-hitter restaurants along the Croisette. This included La Pizza Cresci, Le Maschou, La Passagère, Fred l'Ecailler, and Da Laura, so make sure to hit these up when you get hungry between parties or premieres.

Since my latest film, Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance and starring Channing Tatum and Kristen Dunst is still in the edit room, I am sadly not going to be attending this year’s festival (although I will be attending my first Cannes Lions in June). So instead of some of my own favorite places, I tapped a few seasoned Cannes-goers for their go-to spots.

Tom Quinn, CEO, Neon

At this point, Tom Quinn and Neon have cracked the code on picking the Palme D’or winners. They’ve distributed the last 5 winners, including last year's Best Picture winner Anora. I think it’s safe to say it may be a stretch to expect Tom to be equally gifted at picking restaurants, but if he’s half as good then he is well worth listening to.

Cuisine: Italian

“While everyone goes the direction of Le Pizza I walk the opposite direction to Le Vesuvio.”

Cuisine: Seafood

“And if you really want to keep going, i.e. out of town, I highly recommend Le Bistrot du Port in Juan Le Pins. Owned and operated by two brothers who love chatting NBA playoffs and cooking great seafood.”

Rich Klubeck, Partner, United Talent Agency

Rich Klubeck has been attending Cannes since 2000, when he was there with Apocalypse Now Redux. More than 20 festivals later, he’s still going strong and is back at the festival this year with The Phoenician Scheme, Honey Don’t, History of Sound, and The Mastermind.

Cuisine: French

“La Cave, of course, is a reason in itself to go to Cannes, for the Asparagus with Anchovy sauce and any meat with morels. I wanted to say veal chop with morels but didn’t want the hate from the anti-veal cause.”

Cameron Bailey, CEO, Toronto International Film Festival 

Cameron has been to approximately 15 Cannes festivals, so while he’s not quite the veteran that Rich and Tom are, he is still an expert. When I asked him for one of his favorite Cannes memories, he recalled interviewing Lars von Trier about Manderlay and hearing some wild fantasies from him that you’d never hear spoken into a microphone today. As CEO of TIFF, he has a big job: scouting films to bring back to the Toronto film festival. So he opts for the spot where you can get the quickest meal in town.

Cuisine: Lebanese

“This Lebanese spot tucked behind the Martinez is one of the tastiest, friendliest places in Cannes.”

Jon Shook, Co-Owner, Jon & Vinny’s

Finally, while his only role in the film world is keeping the majority of us well-fed—whether at his restaurants or major LA events like Baby2Baby or The Night Before Party—Jon Shook still made sure to reach out and insist I include his favorite spot in my Cannes write-up.

Cuisine: French

“This is one of the best things I’ve ever been to in my life. It’s about an hour drive. Read the history of the hotel–the menu has never changed. Get on a plane. I've been twice.”

Cannes remains one of the arbiters of the year’s most buzzed-about films. Thierry Fremeaux, Christian Jeune, and the rest of the programming team consistently do a masterful job spotlighting new voices from around the world–from newcomers who are debuting their films to some of the greatest auteurs showing their latest gems to loyal audiences. There’s nothing like a Cannes premiere–the pomp and circumstance of the French is what makes it so special. Walking up the stairs at the Lumière is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I have been lucky enough to do it twice.

This year’s lineup is as exciting as ever, with the directors taking center stage. Legends like Wes Anderson, Lynne Ramsay, Ethan Coen, Kelly Reichardt, Richard Linklater, and Spike Lee are back on the Croisette alongside Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson all making their directorial debuts. Those of you putting on your best formal wear to see movies over the next 10 days, I am very jealous. Enjoy every moment.

Over the past few years, my interest in foreign films has grown stronger. Unsurprisingly, Cannes is the best home for International Premieres, so if I were at the festival this year, here are the top two films I wouldn’t miss.

ORPHAN: Laszlo Nemes, Hungary

If you saw Son of Saul in 2015 you are likely still haunted by it. If you haven’t seen it, you need to. I anticipate this film will be just as gripping.

SENTIMENTAL VALUE: Joachim Trier, Norway

Most film buffs discovered Joachim from his first film Reprise, or his second, Oslo 31st, but the rest of the world finally caught up after The Worst Person in the World came out in 2021. I’m excited to see his next masterpiece.

Who: David Hogg

Where: Available as a podcast and on Youtube. Want to join the live conversation and ask our guests your burning questions? Unlock real-time access by joining our paid membership community.

Why: This conversation couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time, with the news that his role at the DNC might be challenged. I spoke with David Hogg about his future as vice chair, what he believes the party needs, his plans to primary Dems who are “asleep at the wheel,” and the mission behind his organization Leaders We Deserve. Quote: “I can tell you from my own experience working with younger candidates, it is not as simple as saying you get above a certain age and you start sucking. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. There are young people who suck, there are old people who suck, and vice versa. It is much more nuanced than just to say we need to only have a government of 30 year olds.”

The Benjamin with Chris Bender, Jordan Okun, Kristi Bender, & Mark Feuerstein; Larchmont Wine and Cheese with Team Hunting Lane; Matu and Beverly Hills Cheese Store with Teddy Himler, 88 Club with Nico Mizrahi and Alex Vouvalides; Mario’s Peruvian & Seafood with Chris Bender; Jon & Vinny’s with Jonathan Haidt, Alex Yarosh, Alexa Arnold, and Alex Levy; Genghis Cohen with Riley, Sawyer, and Kelly Sawyer Patricof; Goop Kitchen with The Office; Budonoki with Kevin Shivers; Langer’s with Neal Moritz; and Ojai Pizza with Mark Feuerstein and Chris Bender.

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