The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Official Selection, promising a dynamic mix of acclaimed filmmakers and emerging talent. Festival President Iris Knobloch and General Delegate Thierry Frémaux announced the lineup, with screenings set to take place on the Croisette from May 12 to 23, 2026.
Opening Film
French director Pierre Salvadori will open the festival with La Vénus Électrique, screening out of competition.
Competition Highlights
This year’s Competition section features a strong international lineup, including new works from celebrated auteurs:
- Pedro Almodóvar returns with Amarga Navidad
- Asghar Farhadi presents Parallel Tales
- Hirokazu Kore-eda competes with Sheep in the Box
- Ryusuke Hamaguchi brings All of Sudden
- Cristian Mungiu enters with Fjord
- Pawel Pawlikowski showcases Fatherland
- Andrey Zvyagintsev premieres Minotaur
The competition also highlights rising voices and diverse storytelling from across Europe and Asia.
Un Certain Regard
The Un Certain Regard section, known for spotlighting innovative and emerging filmmakers, opens with Elephants in the Fog by Abinash Bikram Shah. Notably, several debut features are included, reflecting Cannes’ continued commitment to new talent.
Out of Competition & Special Screenings
Major names headline the Out of Competition slate, including:
- Andy Garcia with Diamond
- Nicolas Winding Refn with Her Private Hell
In Special Screenings, high-profile documentaries and features include:
- Avedon by Ron Howard
- John Lennon: The Last Interview by Steven Soderbergh
Midnight & Cannes Première Sections
The Midnight Screenings promise bold and genre-driven cinema, featuring directors like Quentin Dupieux and Yeon Sang-ho.
Meanwhile, the Cannes Première section includes a notable appearance by John Travolta, directing Propeller One-Way Night Coach, alongside films from established European and Japanese filmmakers.
With a rich blend of global auteurs, first-time filmmakers, and star-powered projects, Cannes 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and exciting editions in recent years. The festival once again reaffirms its role as the world’s leading stage for cinematic excellence.
By Cem Kaplan