Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival 2026: Everything to Know About the 79th Edition

The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival returns to the French Riviera from May 12 to May 23, 2026, reaffirming its position as the world’s most prestigious cinematic event.
Each year, the city of Cannes transforms into a global stage where cinema, fashion, and culture intersect — bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and media from across the world.

Bella Hadid
Eva Longoria
Public Cannes Film Festival

Key Highlights of the 2026 Edition

The festival will open with The Electric Kiss by Pierre Salvadori, setting the tone for a program that celebrates both established auteurs and emerging voices. South Korean director Park Chan-wook will serve as Jury President, marking a historic moment as the first Korean filmmaker to hold this role.
Among the major honors, Honorary Palme d’Or awards will be presented to Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand, celebrating their lasting impact on global cinema. The official selection lineup is expected to be revealed in April 2026 — one of the most anticipated announcements in the film industry calendar.

Schedule & Festival Experience

The official festival runs for 12 days, with screenings, premieres, and industry events taking place across Cannes.
Organise your time 
Online ticket office 

Key moments include:
- Opening Ceremony (May 12)
- Daily red carpet premieres at the Palais des Festivals
- Official Competition screenings
- Parallel sections such as Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week
- Closing Ceremony & Palme d’Or award
Ticket reservations typically open in early May, with access depending on accreditation level.

Screenings & Public Access

While Cannes is primarily industry-focused, parts of the festival are accessible to the public.
The Cinéma de la Plage offers free open-air screenings every evening on the beach, creating one of the most unique cinematic experiences in the world.
Select screenings may also be available through special passes or last-minute access, allowing visitors to experience the festival atmosphere firsthand.

Marché du Film
Running alongside the festival, the Marché du Film (May 12–20, 2026) remains the world’s largest film market, gathering thousands of professionals and projects.
Registration
It is a key hub for deals, co-productions, and industry networking — making Cannes not only a cultural event, but a major global business platform.

A Global Stage Beyond Cinema

Beyond film, Cannes continues to shape trends in fashion, media, and luxury culture. Red carpet moments, brand activations, and exclusive gatherings turn the festival into a multi-industry ecosystem — where storytelling extends far beyond the screen.
Throughout the festival, Cinemade Magazine will provide curated coverage and the latest updates on major premieres, red carpet appearances, and key industry moments — offering an insider perspective on everything unfolding on the Croisette.

By Olga Gasnier

CINEMADE editor-in-chief
Photographs by Victoria Mazurova

[ Submission]

Send Us your story

© 2026 CINEMADE. All rights reserved.
PRIVACY POLICY. MENTIONS LÉGALES.
Don't steal our content, we'll find you.