Cannes, France – April 29, 2026– The Cannes Film Festival today announced an expansion of its Official Selection screenings with a new series of exchanges featuring leading figures in contemporary cinema, titled “Rendezvous at the Festival de Cannes.”
This year, the series will commence with Sir Peter Jackson on Wednesday, May 13th, following his reception of an Honorary Palme d’Or. The program will also feature discussions with acclaimed actresses Cate Blanchett on Sunday, May 17th, and Tilda Swinton on Thursday, May 21st, offering the Cannes audience unique opportunities for insightful conversations.
Sir Peter Jackson: A Legacy Honored
Sir Peter Jackson, whose cinematic journey was significantly marked at Cannes on May 13th, 2001, with the first revealed images of The Lord of the Rings, will be celebrated for his profound impact on cinema. His Middle-earth saga garnered 17 Oscars and over $3 billion at the box office, transforming heroic fantasy and revolutionizing visual effects. Beyond Middle-earth, Jackson’s diverse filmography includes King Kong, The Hobbit, and critically acclaimed documentaries such as They Shall Not Grow Old and The Beatles: Get Back. His public discussion will coincide with the awarding of his Honorary Palme d’Or at the 79th Festival de Cannes.
Cate Blanchett: A Versatile Talent
Cate Blanchett, a two-time Oscar winner, will engage in a discussion reflecting on her extensive career, which includes notable performances in films like Tár, Carol, I’m Not There, Blue Jasmine, and Elizabeth. A familiar face at Cannes since 1999, she presided over the Jury in 2019 and has received numerous accolades, including the BFI Fellowship and being named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Blanchett, who co-leads Dirty Films, is also a staunch advocate for diversity in filmmaking, having founded the Proof of Concept program and the Displacement Film Fund. She will host a panel announcing the next cohort of artists supported by her initiatives.
Tilda Swinton: An Unconventional Icon
Renowned for her versatility and powerful performances, Tilda Swinton will share insights from her career, which spans experimental art-house cinema and major Hollywood productions. Her breakthrough role in Orlando (1992) and her collaborations with director Derek Jarman established her as a unique talent. Swinton, an Academy Award and BAFTA winner for her role in Michael Clayton (2008), has also worked with esteemed directors such as Wes Anderson, Joanna Hogg, Jim Jarmusch, and Bong Joon-ho. She previously served as a generous and rigorous Jury Member at the Festival de Cannes in 2004.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of international cinema and engaging dialogues with its leading figures.