Introduction

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 — officially the 79th Festival de Cannes — is one of the most celebrated cultural events in the world. Every May, the glamorous city of Cannes on the French Riviera transforms into the global capital of cinema, drawing filmmakers, stars, critics, and cinephiles from over 100 countries.

This year’s edition promises an exciting, auteur-driven lineup with films from France, Spain, Japan, Romania, Iran, and more — plus a star-studded guest list, two Honorary Palme d’Or awards, and a first-time jury president from South Korea. Read on for everything you need to know.

Key Details at a Glance

Jury President — Park Chan-wook

South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook has been named Jury President for the Main Competition at Cannes 2026 — one of the most prestigious roles in world cinema. Known globally for his “Vengeance Trilogy” (Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Lady Vengeance), The Handmaiden (2016), and Decision to Leave (2022) — which won Best Director at Cannes — Park is one of the most critically acclaimed directors working today.

Park will lead a jury of international film personalities who will award the coveted Palme d’Or — the highest prize in cinema — along with the Grand Prix, Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Screenplay awards.

Opening Film — The Electric Kiss

The Electric Kiss (La Vénus Électrique) by French director Pierre Salvadori will open the 79th Festival de Cannes on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière — the iconic red-carpeted main screening hall at the Palais des Festivals.

Set against the backdrop of the early 20th-century Paris art world, the French period-comedy drama stars Pio Marmaï, Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, and Vimala Pons. The film screens out of competition — as is tradition for the opening title — meaning it will not compete for the Palme d’Or.

Honorary Palme d’Or 2026

This year, two legendary figures from world cinema will be honoured with a Palme d’Or Honorifique — the festival’s lifetime achievement award — celebrating extraordinary contributions to the art of film.

Official Competition — Palme d’Or Films

A total of 21 films are competing for the Palme d’Or this year, drawn from three continents. The lineup features five female directors and has a distinctly international, auteur-driven focus — with 65% of competition films from France, Spain, and Japan, and just one US film in contention.

+ Additional competition films including A Woman’s Life, La Bola Negra, Das Geträumte Abenteuer, Garance, Our Salutation, Gentle Monster, Nagi Notes, and Stories of the Night.

Key People at Cannes 2026

Festival Timeline 2026

Venue — Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

The festival is centred at the iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, located directly on Cannes’ famous Boulevard de la Croisette — the celebrated seafront promenade. The Palais is home to the Grand Théâtre Lumière (the main competition hall), the Debussy Theatre, and numerous smaller screening rooms and industry spaces.

Every year, more than 35,000 professionals and festival-goers walk the 24 famous red-carpeted steps of the Palais — watched by millions of cinema lovers worldwide. The festival zone extends from the Palais along the Riviera, International Village, and as far as the Cinéma de la Plage (beach cinema).

Frequently Asked Questions

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