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The 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026 begins on May 12 and is set to transform the French Riviera into the global epicentre of cinema for the next 10 days.
Considered one of the most prestigious film events in the world, it brings together the biggest filmmakers, actors, producers, and global movie enthusiasts on the same platform to raise a toast to cinema. This year's Cannes 2026 is especially notable for its striking lineup, including a strong Asian presence, and a jury led by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook, known for titles like No Other Choice, Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and The Handmaiden. The Cannes Film Festival 2026 is set to navigate a year of cinematic creativity and human-driven storytelling in the age of AI, with a significant presence from the Indian film industry. Here's everything to know about the festival this year.
Cannes Film Festival 2026: Dates and schedule
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival runs from May 12 to May 23, 2026, in Cannes, France. Over a span of 12 days, it will showcase the best achievements of cinema, including film screenings, masterclass sessions with artists and filmmakers, gala shows, ongoing press events and rewards that mostly commence at 8:30 AM local time.
The festival will open on May 12, with the red carpet kicking off and the world premiere of a major auteur-driven blockbuster. The festival will incorporate daily premieres for the 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or. Meanwhile, Marché du Film, the world's largest film market, runs concurrently for industry professionals. On its closing day on May 23, the prestigious awards, including the Palme d'Or, will be presented.
Cannes Film Festival 2026: Venue
The iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès along La Croisette is the main location for all major events. They take place across the entire Promenade de la Croisette. While film viewing happens at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, several activities also extent to upscale hotel locations and beachside pavilions, which feature the International Village area. This is a place for several nations to display their national film industries.
Where to watch Cannes 2026
The festival is livestreamed globally on the Festival de Cannes official YouTube channel. Major moments, including red carpet arrivals, photocalls, opening and closing ceremonies, press conferences, and interviews, are also available through the festival's official social media platforms.
Where to watch in India
Indian audiences can also follow coverage through entertainment portals, the festival's YouTube channel, and social media platforms like Instagram and X, which provide real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Cannes 2026 jury members
This year's main competition jury is one of Cannes' most internationally diverse panels in recent years. Apart from Park Chan-Wook, who is the first Korean to preside over the jury for feature films at the 79th Festival de Cannes in 2026, the esteemed names on the panel also include Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, and Paul Laverty.
Major films getting screened at Cannes 2026
This year's competition lineup is packed with celebrated auteurs and awards-season contenders. Some of the most anticipated films include Bitter Christmas, Parallel Stories, Fatherland, Sheep in the Box, All of a Sudden, Hope, and The Man I Love. The festival will be opened by The Electric Kiss.
Guest list and attendees
Several global stars and filmmakers are expected on the Cannes red carpet this year. According to festival reports and industry coverage, key attendees include Barbra Streisand, Peter Jackson, John Travolta, Scarlett Johansson, Rami Malek, and Demi Moore. Both Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson are receiving honorary Palme d’Or recognitions this year.
India's presence at Cannes 2026
India's presence is at an all-time high following the global success of independent Indian cinema over the last two years. Payal Kapadia's The Weeping Willow is in competition and a follow-up to her previous Cannes success. This one explores the lives of migrant workers in Europe.
Dust and Gold, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, is in for Un Certain Regard. It gives a meditative look at the changing landscape of rural Maharashtra. For Midnight Screening, we have Kalki 2: The Resurgence by Nag Ashwin. This offers a special preview of the sequel to the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD.
Indian celebs at Cannes 2026
Speculated Indian names in the red carpet guest list include Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Tara Sutaria, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and Jacqueline Fernandez. They are expected for various brand partnerships and premieres.
The Cannes Film Festival is expected to shape the upcoming Oscars race, as it often launches major international and arthouse award contenders.
