The iconic French Riviera festival is set to return with a star-studded lineup, legendary directors, and the usual breathtaking fashion. Here is your ultimate guide to the 79th edition.

The world’s most glamorous film festival prepares to roll out its famous crimson carpet once more. From May 12 to May 23, 2026, the city of Cannes will transform into the global capital of cinema, celebrating its 79th edition with a blend of high art, high drama, and exceptionally high heels. Whether you are planning a trip to the Croisette or simply wish to stay abreast of the cultural calendar, here is everything you need to know about the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

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What is the Cannes Film Festival?

Founded in 1946 in the aftermath of World War II, the Cannes Film Festival was born from a desire to create an international event to celebrate and promote cinema as a unifying art form. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Every year, hundreds of films are submitted to the official selection, though only about twenty are chosen to compete for the top prize. It is a place where auteurs become legends and where a single standing ovation can define a career.

Where is it Held?

The festival takes place exclusively in Cannes, a stunning commune on the French Riviera boasting more than seventy thousand inhabitants. Cannes is world-famous for its glamorous seaside promenade, La Croisette, which is lined with luxury boutiques and grand hotels, as well as its beautiful beaches and a unique atmosphere that blends old-world glamour with modern hustle. The heart of the action is the Palais des Festivals, where the famous red carpet steps lead into the main theatre.

The Coveted Prize: The Palme d’Or

The Palme d’Or, or Golden Palm, is the highest award given to the best film in the official competition. Created in 1955, the trophy is handcrafted by more than forty artisans in Switzerland. Winning the Palme d’Or is a career-defining moment, often propelling independent films toward Oscar glory.

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The Famous Red Carpet Steps

You may have heard the expression “to roll out the red carpet,” which means to welcome someone with great honour. Cannes introduced this concept in 1961, and the colour red symbolises the importance of the event. Today, the red steps of the Palais des Festivals have become iconic. For actors, models, and directors, walking up these steps is a dream come true, while for fashion designers and jewellers, lending their creations to guests walking the steps represents the ultimate publicity. The Cannes Film Festival is a true accelerator of visibility and recognition for those who grace these famous steps.

The 2026 Film Selection: The Contenders

The official competition for the 2026 Palme d’Or has been revealed, and it promises a thrilling clash of cinematic titans. This year’s twenty-two contenders include new works from some of the world’s most celebrated directors. Audiences can look forward to Amarga Navidad by Pedro Almodóvar, Parallel Stories by Asghar Farhadi, A Woman’s Life by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet, and La Bola Negra by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. The lineup also features Coward by Lukas Dhont, Das Geträumte Abenteuer by Valeska Grisebach, Suddenly by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and The Unknown Woman by Arthur Harari.

Further competition titles include Garance by Jeanne Herry, Sheep in the Box by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Hope by Na Hong-jin, Nagi Notes by Koji Fukada, Gentle Monster by Marie Kreutzer, Our Salvation by Emmanuel Marre, Fjord by Cristian Mungiu, Stories of the Night by Léa Mysius, Moulin by László Nemes, Fatherland by Pawel Pawlikowski, The Man I Love by Ira Sachs, El Ser Querido by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Minotaur by Andrey Zvyagintsev.

The festival kicks off out of competition with the opening night film, La Vénus Électrique by Pierre Salvadori, a French-language romantic drama set to set the tone for the twelve-day marathon. Other sections, including Un Certain Regard and Cannes Première, complete the programme, ensuring a diverse and rich cinematic experience.

Who is Walking the Red Carpet?

The 2026 edition is shaping up to be a reunion of legends. John Travolta, who reinvigorated his career with Pulp Fiction at Cannes, will return to make his directorial debut with Propeller One-Way Night Coach. Barbra Streisand and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson will both receive honorary Palme d’Or awards for their lifetime achievements. Furthermore, the festival will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Fast and the Furious, with Vin Diesel expected to join the celebrations.

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Presiding over the nine-person jury this year is acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook, known for Oldboy and Decision to Leave. He will be joined by jury members including Demi Moore, the Chinese-born director Chloé Zhao of Hamnet, and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård.

What Else Happens at Cannes?

Beyond the screenings, Cannes is home to the world’s largest film market, drawing more than fifteen thousand industry professionals annually. The festival is also a source of deep emotion and occasional controversy. It can be the scene of heated debates, like the 1988 screening of The Last Temptation of Christ by Martin Scorsese, or very moving moments, such as the standing ovation for Agnès Varda in 2015.

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The Cannes Film Festival 2026 is more than just a film competition. It is a celebration of art, fashion, and culture that brings together the biggest names in international cinema. From May 12 to May 23, all eyes will be on the French Riviera to see who will walk away with the Palme d’Or and who will deliver the most unforgettable fashion moment. Mark your calendars—this is one premiere you won’t want to miss.

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Images: Instagram & Supplied and Feature Image: Instagram