The world’s most prestigious film festival returns to the Croisette as the 79th Festival de Cannes opens its doors from May 12 to 23, 2026, promising a celebration of bold cinema, international talent, and red-carpet glamour.
The Cannes Film Festival is considered the most prestigious film festival in the world. Held in Cannes, France, it previews new films of all genres, including documentaries. Founded in 1946, the invitation-only festival is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
South Korean master filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, The Handmaiden) presides over the main competition jury. He is joined by a diverse international panel including Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga, Isaach De Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, and Paul Laverty.
This marks a notably global jury with no French members for the first time in the festival’s history.
The festival opens on May 12 with Pierre Salvadori’s The Electric Kiss (La Vénus électrique), a 1920s-set film screening out of competition. French actress Eye Haïdara will host the opening and closing ceremonies.
This year’s Official Selection, announced on April 9 in Paris by Festival President Iris Knobloch and Artistic Director Thierry Frémaux, leans heavily into auteur-driven cinema.
Approximately 22 films compete for the Palme d’Or. Standout entries include ;Pedro Almodóvar’s Amarga Navidad (Bitter Christmas) Asghar Farhadi’sParallel Tales, starring Isabelle Huppert.
Works from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Ira Sachs (The Man I Love, starring Rami Malek), Marie Kreutzer, and others.
Additional competition titles added later include James Gray’s Paper Tiger. The lineup features a strong presence of female directors and a notable absence of major Italian productions, as well as limited Hollywood studio fare.
Awards Recognition
Honorary Palmes d’Orwill be awarded to New Zealand director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings) and American EGOT winner Barbra Streisandin recognition of their extraordinary contributions to cinema.
Other highlights include a Midnight Screening of the classic The Fast and the Furious (2001), John Travolta’s directorial debut in the Cannes Premiere section, and a robust Un Certain Regard sidebar led by jury president Leïla Bekhti.
With over 2,500 feature films submitted, organizers emphasized the growing vitality of international independent cinema.
The 2026 edition continues Cannes’ tradition as a launchpad for Oscar contenders and a cultural barometer, while spotlighting voices from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.
As the red carpet rolls out along the Mediterranean, expectations are high for discoveries, controversies, and unforgettable moments under the Cannes sun. The Palme d’Or winner will be announced at the closing ceremony on May 23.
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