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Cannes 2023: European Films Shine, American Film Faces Hurdles

4/9/2026

32 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Cannes Festival's 79th edition features a lineup dominated by European films, with Ira Sachs (American filmmaker) the sole American in competition.
Festival chief Thierry Frémaux hopes to include James Gray's crime drama Paper Tiger, starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller.
Paper Tiger was acquired for French distribution by SND.
The film lacks a U.S. distribution agreement.
Ongoing contractual issues prevent its announcement.

History

Historical Context

The Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1946, has historically highlighted European cinema, shaping global film trends. In 2023, only one American filmmaker, Ira Sachs, competed among numerous European entries, reflecting a shift in festival dynamics. The lack of a U.S. distribution deal for James Gray's "Paper Tiger" underscores ongoing challenges for American filmmakers in an increasingly European-dominated film landscape.

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Story summary

The Cannes Festival's 79th edition features a lineup dominated by European films, with Ira Sachs (American filmmaker) the sole American in competition.
Festival chief Thierry Frémaux hopes to include James Gray's crime drama Paper Tiger, starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller.
Paper Tiger was acquired for French distribution by SND.
The film lacks a U.S. distribution agreement.
Ongoing contractual issues prevent its announcement.

1 / 2