Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney, is announced as the Cunard Gala at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.
The 69th BFI London Film Festival runs from October 8th to 19th and, in partnership with American Express, proudly announces that the Cunard Gala will showcase the UK premiere of Noah Baumbach’s film, *Jay Kelly*. Join us at the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre on Friday, October 10th, for this exciting event. Written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer. The comedy-drama features an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup and Riley Keough.
PREMISE
The new film from four-time Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach (The Squid And The Whale, Barbie, Marriage Story), follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) and his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler) as they embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe. Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they’ve made. The relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.
Noah Baumbach and the cast will attend the UK premiere.
NOAH BAUMBACH
Director of the film, Noah Baumbach, said:
“I’m thrilled and honoured for JAY KELLY to be included in the BFI London Film Festival. We filmed, as well as edited, mixed, and recorded our score, here in London. Many of our amazing collaborators will be in attendance. It feels like a homecoming even for this New Yorker.”
KRISTY MATHESON
Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director, said:
“We are excited to welcome Noah Baumbach back to the festival whose previous titles White Noise, Marriage Story and The Meyerowitz Story have deeply moved and entertained LFF audiences. With JAY KELLY, Noah returns with his signature blend of emotional honesty and comedy in a film that cleverly explores fame, friendship and our eternal love affair with the silver screen.”
69TH BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
The 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, will take place in the following venues:
The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall returns as the gala venue
BFI Southbank is the home of the competition programme, Screen Talks and LFF for Free events
The UK’s biggest screen, BFI IMAX, will once again host LFF screenings
LFF Expanded works will be presented at Marie Rambert Studio, Rambert, BFI IMAX and BFI Southbank
Five partner cinemas in London’s West End include Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End
Festival venues across the UK include Broadway Cinema in Nottingham, Chapter in Cardiff, Glasgow Film Theatre, HOME in Manchester, MAC in Birmingham, Queen’s Film Theatre in Belfast, Showroom Cinema in Sheffield, Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle, National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, Filmhouse in Edinburgh and Watershed in Bristol.
Press and industry screenings take place at Picturehouse Central
In addition to UK-wide screenings at the Festival venues, audiences will also be able to explore LFF programmes past and present with a special collection of films on BFI Player.
The 69th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express takes place from Wednesday 8 October to Sunday 19 October, 2025. Join us for the exciting announcement of the complete festival program on Wednesday, September 3, 2025! Tickets go on sale starting September 16, and BFI members can take advantage of early booking.
JAY KELLY hits theaters on November 14th and streams on Netflix starting December 5th, 2025.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
