BFI London Film Festival: ‘Jay Kelly’ Announced As Cunard Gala Film

The UK premiere of Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly has been announced to take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Friday 10 October as part of The 69th BFI London Film Festival (8th-19th October) in partnership with American Express. This film will be shown as this year’s Cunard Gala.

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. It was written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer and also features the likes of Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and Riley Keough.  

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Noah Baumbach, Director of Jay Kelly, 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, 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”.

Jay Kelly is released in cinemas on 14th November and on Netflix on 5th December 2025. 

About the Author

Danny Humby

Editor

Danny is a freelance media creative with a background spanning marketing, journalism and governance. From 2021 to 2024 he was Chair of the Student Radio Association and is currently a Trustee at Chichester Festival Theatre. He holds an MSc in Marketing and a BA in Film and Television from Solent University, and remains passionate about supporting young people, the arts, and charitable organisations to help broaden their reach and impact. He can be found under @popcornandpace on Instagram.

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