Story perspectives

Lukas Dhont’s “Coward” Debuts at Cannes, Eyes Palme d’Or

5/23/2026

Summary

Dhont Premieres Coward

Lukas Dhont premiered his World War I romance “Coward” at Cannes on May 21 2026.
The film is inspired by a black-and-white photo of soldiers in sandbag skirts and shell jewellery.
Dhont said the image shows men performing for each other as resistance, shaping the same-sex desire narrative.
Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne portray Pierre and Francis, while “Coward” competes with 21 films for Cannes’ top prize on May 23 2026.

Summary

Pierre Defects

Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia) stabs his hand with a bayonet to escape frontline duty and join Francis (Valentin Campagne)’s drag troupe.
Francis (Valentin Campagne), a tailor, leads the troupe disciplined like a sergeant.
The troupe stages revues for officers and shows for wounded soldiers.
Frank van den Eeden juxtaposes chaos with scenes of Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia) and Francis (Valentin Campagne)’s romance.
Critics note director Dhont’s restraint and the film’s depiction of homophobia from officers.

History

Historical Context

In 1915 the Australian WWI documentary Within Our Gates drew about 20 million British viewers, illustrating how early war films shaped public perception. British WWII productions later blended documentary and drama, a tradition that persists. Lukas Dhont’s 2026 Cannes film Coward, starring Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, extends this legacy by foregrounding LGBTQ+ soldiers, urging historians to broaden official war narratives.

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Dhont Premieres Coward

Lukas Dhont premiered his World War I romance “Coward” at Cannes on May 21 2026.
The film is inspired by a black-and-white photo of soldiers in sandbag skirts and shell jewellery.
Dhont said the image shows men performing for each other as resistance, shaping the same-sex desire narrative.
Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne portray Pierre and Francis, while “Coward” competes with 21 films for Cannes’ top prize on May 23 2026.

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