Cannes Film Festival 2026 set to kick off next week
The 79th Cannes Film Festival returns from May 12 to 23, bringing a star-studded jury, major film premieres and global attention back to the Croisette.
The countdown is on as the 79th Festival de Cannes prepares to return to the Croisette from May 12 to 23, bringing together the biggest names in cinema for nearly two weeks of premieres, red carpets and global attention.
Listen to this article
As one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, Cannes will once again spotlight an impressive Official Selection, with 22 films competing for the Palme d’Or - the festival’s highest honour, awarded during the closing ceremony on May 23.
Alongside the main competition, the programme will feature a wide range of sections including Un Certain Regard, Cannes Première, Midnight Screenings and Special Screenings, offering a mix of established directors and emerging talent from across the globe.
An international jury led by Park Chan-wook
This year’s jury will be chaired by acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook, a major figure in contemporary cinema.
He will be joined by a diverse international panel including Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Chloé Zhao and Stellan Skarsgård.
Together, they will be responsible for selecting the winners of the festival’s top awards.
Highlights already generating buzz
Among the early highlights, John Travolta is set to make a notable return to Cannes to present his first film as a director, marking a new chapter in his career.
With a packed programme, major premieres and the usual red carpet glamour, Cannes is once again ready to become the centre of the film world.
From May 12, the French Riviera will host filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from around the world, as the Festival de Cannes once again celebrates cinema in all its forms.