All you need to know about the event’s 79th edition
Every May, the French Riviera transforms into the centre of the cinematic world as the Cannes Film Festival returns to the Croisette. Now in its 79th edition, the festival remains one of the most prestigious and influential events in global cinema, while also serving as a major cultural moment where cinema, fashion, jewellery and celebrity culture collide on an international stage.
Running from May 12 to 23 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, this year’s edition arrives with an eclectic programme of auteur cinema, highly anticipated premieres and major Hollywood star power. Over 2,500 feature films were submitted for consideration this year, with just 22 selected to compete for the coveted Palme d’Or, Cannes’ highest honour and one of the film industry’s most career-defining awards.
The Films Everyone Will Be Talking About
Leading this year’s Competition jury is acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose appointment signals what many expect to be a particularly bold and artistically ambitious year for the festival. Among the films already generating strong anticipation are Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Sheep in the Box and Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord, both tipped as early Palme d’Or contenders.
Alongside the Competition selection, Cannes 2026 will also host a number of special screenings spanning documentary, political cinema and intimate character-driven storytelling. Highlights include Steven Soderbergh’s John Lennon: The Last Interview, Ron Howard’s Richard Avedon and Pegah Ahangarani’s Rehearsals for a Revolution.
The festival will also honour two cinematic legends with honorary Palme d’Or awards: Barbra Streisand and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, both expected to be emotional highlights of this year’s programme.
Red Carpet and Fashion Moments
Beyond the films themselves, Cannes remains one of the world’s most glamorous cultural spectacles. Luxury fashion houses, couture ateliers and high jewellery brands all descend on the Riviera, dressing celebrities for premieres, photocalls and late-night parties that often become as closely watched as the films themselves.
This year’s red carpets are expected to deliver no shortage of headline moments. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are set to arrive in Cannes promoting James Gray’s Paper Tiger, while Rami Malek will appear for Ira Sachs’ The Man I Love. Javier Bardem, Kristen Stewart, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson are also among the stars expected to attend.
Fashion, as always, will play a defining role across the 12-day festival. The Cannes red carpet has become one of the most photographed style stages in the world, known as much for dramatic couture gowns and statement jewellery as for cinema itself.
Official festival partner Chopard is once again preparing to unveil its annual Red Carpet high jewellery collection during Cannes, with this year’s theme titled Miracles. Designed by Caroline Scheufele, the collection explores themes of transformation, light and fantasy through sky-toned gemstones, delicate bestiary-inspired creations and sculptural craftsmanship. Many of the pieces are expected to be worn by celebrities and VIPs at premieres throughout the festival.
Where The Stars Stay
Of course, no Cannes Film Festival would be complete without its legendary hotels. Every year, the French Riviera’s grand palace properties and ultra-private coastal retreats become temporary homes for Hollywood stars, directors, luxury brands and industry insiders attending the festival.
Along the Croisette, iconic addresses including Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes and Carlton Cannes once again sit at the centre of the action, hosting premieres, fashion events, private dinners and celebrity-filled afterparties just steps from the Palais des Festivals.
For those seeking greater privacy away from the main crowds, nearby Riviera hideaways such as Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc continue to attract A-list guests with secluded waterfront settings, discreet luxury, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Meanwhile, newer coastal addresses such as Hotel Belle Plage are increasingly becoming favourites among fashion insiders and creatives seeking a more contemporary Riviera atmosphere.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival takes place from May 12-23.
