The world of cinema has an appointment on the Croisette. Since May 12, 2026, the 79th Cannes International Film Festival has been electrifying the French Riviera with its procession of world premieres, international stars and eagerly awaited masterpieces. Until May 23, the date of the closing ceremony and the awarding of the Palme d'Or, all film lovers will have their eyes turned toward the Croisette.

A jury presided over by Park Chan-wook

This 79th edition is chaired by Park Chan-wook, the South Korean filmmaker renowned for his uniquely breathtaking works such as Oldboy, Mademoiselle and Decision to Leave. This is the first time a Korean director has presided over the Cannes main competition jury, a powerful sign of the growing influence of Asian cinema on the international stage.

Alongside him, an exceptional jury: Demi Moore (the American actress who returned to the spotlight with La Substance), Chloé Zhao (Oscar-winning director of Nomadland), Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, Paul Laverty and Stellan Skarsgård. An international and eclectic composition that promises fascinating deliberations.

The official selection: 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or

Twenty-two films compete in the main competition to claim the prestigious Palme d'Or 2026. The selection brings together names that have made Cannes history:

• Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Hirokazu Kore-eda and Koji Fukada — three masters of Japanese cinema united for the first time in the same competition
• Pedro Almodóvar (Spain), Cristian Mungiu (Romania), Asghar Farhadi (Iran), Paweł Pawlikowski (Poland), James Gray (United States) — regular Croisette visitors returning with new projects
• On the French side: Jeanne Herry, Léa Mysius, Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet and Arthur Harari carry the national colors with ambition

The festival opened its doors on May 12 with the official screening of La Vénus électrique by Pierre Salvadori, a romantic comedy out of competition that put the Croisette in good spirits from the very first evening.

More than 70 films across different selections

The main competition is only the tip of the Cannes iceberg. In total, more than 70 films are presented this year, spread across several sections:

• Un Certain Regard (19 films): the section that reveals the filmmakers of tomorrow and formal boldness
• Cannes Première (10 films): ambitious works by recognized filmmakers presented out of competition
• Out of Competition (8 films): highly anticipated titles without the pressure of awards
• Special Screenings: including anniversary screenings of The Fast and the Furious and The Devils
• Midnight Screenings (5 films): for the most dedicated cinephiles

Honorary Palmes d'Or: Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand

This edition is also marked by two exceptional tributes. New Zealand director Peter Jackson, creator of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the legendary Barbra Streisand, American actress, director and singer, each receive an honorary Palme d'Or for their entire career. Guaranteed emotional moments during the dedicated ceremonies.

Artificial intelligence at the heart of the debates

Beyond the films, the 2026 Cannes Film Festival also establishes itself as a place for reflection on the future of cinema. The rise of generative artificial intelligence in audiovisual creation will be at the heart of numerous debates, roundtables and corridor discussions. How is AI transforming the work of directors, screenwriters and cinematographers? Several films in competition directly address this question.

How to follow the 2026 Cannes Film Festival from home?

Can't be on the Croisette? No need to worry. Several options allow you to follow the event from a distance:

• The opening and closing ceremonies are broadcast live on Canal+
• The press conferences of film teams are streamed on the official festival website
• The official Instagram account @festivaldecannes offers behind-the-scenes content in real time
• Specialist publications such as Le Film Français and major national newspapers publish daily reviews

The Palme d'Or 2026 will be revealed on Saturday, May 23 at 8:15 p.m. during the closing ceremony. Who will succeed Un simple accident, Palme d'Or 2025? The suspense is total and promises a memorable evening for all lovers of the seventh art.

The Cannes Film Festival remains the unmissable gathering of world cinema, where legends are made and the major trends in filmmaking are shaped for years to come.