Everytime Wins Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize

Austrian filmmaker Sandra Wollner’s drama *Everytime* won the top prize in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section in May 2026. The film follows a family coping with the death of their eldest daughter during a delayed holiday trip. The jury, chaired by actress Leïla Bekhti, selected the work for its stark portrayal of grief.

‘Everytime’ Claims Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize in Australia

Un Certain Regard is Cannes’ sidebar that highlights bold, unconventional storytelling and often launches emerging talent. The 2026 slate continued this focus, favoring discovery-driven projects over mainstream releases. Wollner’s win follows the acclaim for her earlier feature *The Trouble With Being Born*. The earlier film also garnered critical acclaim, further establishing her reputation.

Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize Snapped Up by Sandra Wollner’s 'Everytime'

Key figures include director Sandra Wollner, jury president Leïla Bekhti, Nepalese filmmaker Abinash Bikram Shah (Jury Prize for *Elephants in the Fog*), animator Louis Clichy (Special Jury Prize for *Iron Boy*), actor Bradley Fiomona Dembeasse (Best Actor for *Congo Boy*), and actresses Marina de Tavira, Daniela Marín Navarro and Mariangel Villegas (shared Best Actress for *Siempre Soy Tu Animal Materno*).

Eye For Film: Everytime wins Un Certain Regard top prize‘Everytime’ Claims Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize in AustraliaCannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize Snapped Up by Sandra Wollner’s 'Everytime'

Awards: Grand Prize – *Everytime* (Wollner); Jury Prize – *Elephants in the Fog*; Special Jury – *Iron Boy*; Best Actor – Bradley Fiomona Dembeasse (*Congo Boy*); Best Actress – de Tavira, Marín Navarro, Villegas (*Siempre Soy Tu Animal Materno*).

Eye For Film: Everytime wins Un Certain Regard top prize

The prize elevates Wollner as a leading emerging voice in European cinema and reinforces Cannes’ preference for artistic integrity over commercial appeal. Recognizing a grief-driven drama signals the festival’s support for daring, narrative-focused works. The decision also reflects Cannes’ broader commitment to artistic integrity and to supporting filmmaker-driven projects that take creative risks.

Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize Snapped Up by Sandra Wollner’s 'Everytime'

Jury president Leïla Bekhti praised the film for its powerful emotional impact and highlighted its honesty. In her acceptance, Wollner warned that AI-driven production threatens originality and urged filmmakers to preserve unconventional ideas.

‘Everytime’ Claims Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize in Australia

Jordan Firstman’s *Club Kid*—despite critical praise and a $17 million A24 acquisition—received no award, prompting comments that Cannes favors artistic merit over market-driven success.

Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize Snapped Up by Sandra Wollner’s 'Everytime'

• “shook us to our core” — Leïla Bekhti, Jury President

Eye For Film: Everytime wins Un Certain Regard top prize

• “I honestly would like to hold on to those quirky, weird thoughts that maybe don’t make sense in the beginning, but hopefully stay with you, maybe a little longer,” — Sandra Wollner, Director

Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize Snapped Up by Sandra Wollner’s 'Everytime'

The win positions Wollner as a filmmaker to watch, and observers anticipate her next project will attract attention at future European festivals.

‘Everytime’ Claims Cannes Un Certain Regard Grand Prize in Australia