Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell and Wagner Moura Lead Satirical Film “Art” Ahead of Cannes Market

The English-language comedy “Art,” adapted from Yasmina Reza’s 1994 play, will be presented at the Cannes market in 2026. The plot follows three longtime friends—Marc, Serge and Yvan—who clash over a costly, all-white painting, exposing hidden tensions. Oscar-nominated actors Ralph Fiennes (three nominations, including “Conclave”), Colin Farrell (nominee for “The Banshees of Inisherin”) and Wagner Moura (nominee for “The Secret Agent”) portray the trio. Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, returns to the material, while two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher Hampton provides the script. Producers Charles Finch and Tracy Seaward oversee the production, and Patrick Wachsberger’s company 193 is handling sales at Cannes. U.S. rights are represented by CAA.

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Yasmina Reza’s original French play premiered in Paris in 1994, won the Tony Award after its 1996 West End run, and has been revived repeatedly, most recently on Broadway in 2025 with Bobby Cannavale, James Corden and Neil Patrick Harris. Its sharp satire of modern art and friendship has kept it culturally resonant.

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• 1994 – Reza’s play opens in Paris.

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• 1996 – English-language stage version opens in London’s West End.

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• 2025 – Broadway revival starring Cannavale, Corden, Harris.

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• 2026 – Film “Art” slated for Cannes market launch.

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The project reunites Meirelles with Fiennes after their collaboration on the Oscar-winning film “The Constant Gardener,” and pairs the director with Farrell, who previously worked together on the Apple series “Sugar.” The original play has been staged not only in Paris, London’s West End and on Broadway, but also in Sydney, Australia, reflecting its international appeal.

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By translating a celebrated theatrical satire to film, “Art” offers a contemporary critique of the art world’s valuation practices while leveraging the star power of three Oscar-nominated actors and a proven director. The project’s high-profile cast and proven source material position it for both critical attention and commercial viability in the global market.

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Press releases confirm that 193 will lead sales at Cannes and that CAA handles U.S. distribution. The film is being produced by Charles Finch and Tracy Seaward.

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• “Three-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Oscar nominee Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) and recent Oscar nominee Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) are teaming up on comedy movie Art.” — Deadline, Entertainment News

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• “Art” follows three friends, Marc, Serge and Yvan, and one ridiculously expensive, plain white painting.” — Variety, Film Reporting

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• “It’s procurement by one friend and differing opinions about what constitutes ‘art’ sparks a conflict among the group that uncovers long-held grievances and tension points in their relationships.” — Variety, Film Reporting

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