The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has officially begun in Cannes, France, turning the French Riviera once again into the world’s biggest celebration of cinema. Running from May 12 to May 23, the prestigious festival is already generating global buzz for its strong international film lineup, star-studded jury and renewed focus on auteur-driven storytelling.
This year’s Cannes is being chaired by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, making him the first Korean jury president in the festival’s history. Joining him on the jury are major international names including Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Ruth Negga and Stellan Skarsgård. Together, they will decide the winner of the coveted Palme d’Or from 22 competing films.
One of the biggest talking points this year is Cannes’ visible shift away from Hollywood blockbusters toward international and independent cinema. Renowned filmmakers such as Pedro Almodóvar, Hirokazu Kore-eda and Asghar Farhadi are presenting highly anticipated films, reinforcing Cannes’ reputation as a platform for artistic and thought-provoking storytelling.
The festival opened with Pierre Salvadori’s film The Electric Kiss, while the red carpet has continued to draw attention worldwide for its elegance and fashion statements. Organisers have reportedly introduced stricter dress-code guidelines this year to maintain a more classic and sophisticated atmosphere on the iconic Cannes staircase.
India has also marked its presence at Cannes 2026. A restored 4K version of John Abraham’s Malayalam classic Amma Ariyan has been selected for the Cannes Classics section, continuing India’s growing recognition in film restoration and preservation.
Beyond awards and glamour, Cannes continues to shape the future of global cinema. Films premiered here often go on to dominate international film discussions and awards season. In 2026, the festival appears to be celebrating not just celebrity culture, but the enduring power of meaningful cinema and diverse voices from around the world.