Cannes 2026: Film Competition, Industry Shifts, and Red-Carpet Rebellion

The 79th Cannes Film Festival runs from 12 May to 23 May on the French Riviera. Pierre Salvadori’s French film *The Electric Kiss* opened the event, and the competition will close with the Palme d’Or ceremony on 23 May. Two honorary Palme d’Or awards are slated for Peter Jackson (opening) and Barbra Streisand (final day). Swiss jeweler Chopard, the official partner, crafts the 18-carat gold Palme d’Or trophy and will present the Trophée Chopard on 15 May.

Town & Country Magazine

South-Korean auteur Park Chan-wook serves as jury president, succeeding Juliette Binoche. The nine-member jury includes Diego Céspedes, Isaach de Bankolé, Paul Laverty, Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Stellan Skarsgård, Laura Wandel and Chloé Zhao. Jacob Elordi withdrew after a foot injury.

New York Observer

*Hope* (Na Hong-jin) earned a six-minute standing ovation, while Cristian Mungiu’s *Fjord* received a ten-minute ovation and repeated applause when director Thierry Frémaux presented the microphone. James Gray’s *Paper Tiger* attracted a rapt audience and a lengthy standing ovation, though some critics noted uneven pacing. Jordan Firstman’s *Club Kid* sparked a bidding war, ultimately selling to A24 for a reported $17 million.

Hollywood Reporter

A panel at the American Pavilion featured 42West’s Sylvia Desrochers, Hilda Somarriba and RJ Millard, who warned that “you’re only getting started when you finish the film.” They noted that independent filmmakers often underestimate publicity costs. The festival also hosted debates on assistive AI, with Scott Mann describing it as “like The Force… a good side and a dark side.” Commentators such as Steve Pond observed a “distinct lack of excitement” due to the scarcity of major-studio premieres.

IndieWire

Cannes updated its dress code to ban nudity and voluminous outfits, continuing a tradition of strict black-tie standards. Nevertheless, Demi Moore, styled by Brad Goreski, wore a neon-pink Matières Fécales gown described as “grotesquely exquisite.” Bella Hadid, Ruth Negga and other stars presented avant-garde looks, illustrating the festival’s history of rule-breaking fashion.

Harper's Bazaar

Festival director Thierry Frémaux praised *Fjord* as a story that “speaks of us all today” in a divided society. Park Chan-wook emphasized the competition’s role in showcasing diverse cinematic voices. Organizers reiterated that the updated dress code aims to preserve “elegance while allowing creative expression” and described AI tools as safe while urging responsible deployment.

Hollywood Reporter

Steve Pond argued that Cannes “needs some Hollywood sizzle,” noting that the program’s focus on auteur cinema left “a distinct lack of excitement” for audiences accustomed to blockbuster premieres.

The Wrap

While *Paper Tiger* received acclaim for its suspense, other reviewers highlighted “a major weakness in Scarlett Johansson’s subplot,” indicating divergent critical assessments that remain unresolved.

The Wrap

• “I’m very happy that I managed to tell a story that, I believe, is a story that speaks of us all today, in a society that is very, very divided, very radicalized, said Mungiu, speaking in French.” — Cristian Mungiu

Hollywood Reporter

• “I want to thank you because this is the moment of truth for every film. It’s when we’ll know in 20 years that the film is good.” — Cristian Mungiu

Hollywood Reporter

• “Thank you for staying for so long a film,” — Na Hong-jin

Hollywood Reporter

• “Rarely do you find a thriller with this much heart.” — Steve Pond

The Wrap

• “Javier Bardem at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival (Photo by Teresa Suarez/Pool/Getty Images) “There is no B plan, no alternative, and this entails consequences, which I’m fully ready to shoulder.” — Javier Bardem

The Wrap

• “You’re only getting started when you finish the film. There’s a long road ahead after that,” — Hilda Somarriba

IndieWire

The Palme d’Or will be awarded on 23 May, with *Fjord* and *Hope* positioned as strong contenders. The Trophée Chopard ceremony on 15 May will showcase the “Miracles” collection, and the festival will conclude with Palme d’Or presentations to Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand. AI policy discussions will continue, and A24 will prepare a release of *Club Kid* this year.

Town & Country Magazine