Top 12 Highly Anticipated Films at Cannes 2026 for Buyers

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival kicks off this week, presenting a slate of buzzy titles for buyers to acquire. Esteemed filmmakers such as Asghar Farhadi and Ira Sachs, alongside first-time feature directors like Jordan Firstman, Andy Garcia, and Maria Martínez Bayona, will debut their latest projects at the festival.

While potential buyers review the lineup, several major films have already been secured—primarily by Neon, the American indie studio that has strengthened its presence at Cannes. Through an aggressive acquisition strategy, Neon has distributed the past six consecutive Palme d’Or winners and four of the five 2026 Academy Award nominees for Best International Feature (all of which premiered at Cannes).

This year, Neon has already purchased eight films screening at Cannes: six in competition for the Palme d’Or ("All of a Sudden," "Fjord," "Hope," "Paper Tiger," "Sheep in the Box," "The Unknown"), one in Directors’ Fortnight ("Clarissa"), and one out of competition ("Her Private Hell"). Neon also secured rights to "Once Upon a Time in Harlem," which premiered at Sundance 2026 but will screen in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.

"Neon has made our jobs a lot easier, in a way, because so many titles are already off the shelf. I’m really interested to see how this Cannes goes. I think it’ll be successful for the films that are there, but in terms of a domestic lens, there’s much more European films and non-English language films that are there."

Julien Levesque, a film agent at Gersh, shared these insights with TheWrap ahead of the festival.

Despite Neon’s aggressive purchases, numerous high-profile films remain available. Below are the 12 most anticipated titles up for sale at Cannes 2026:

"Atonement" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A troubled marine seeks redemption after his unit fires on an Iraqi family in 2003. Directed by Reed Van Dyk, written by Van Dyk, starring Boyd Holbrook, Kenneth Branagh, and Hiam Abbass.

Buzz factor: Though Reed Van Dyk’s first feature, he earned an Oscar nomination for DeKalb Elementary (Best Live Action Short Film, 2018). Sales handled by CAA Media Finance and WME Independent.

"The Beloved" (Cannes)

Synopsis: Acclaimed director Esteban Martínez, known for his films and tumultuous past, offers his estranged daughter Emilia a role to revive her stalled acting career. Their collaboration on set reopens old wounds.

Buzz factor: Oscar-nominated director Rodrigo Sorogoyen follows his critically acclaimed The Beasts.

Directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, written by Isabel Peña and Sorogoyen, starring Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo.

"The Last Sunset" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A retired spy returns to Berlin to uncover the truth behind his partner’s death decades earlier. Directed by François Ozon, written by Ozon, starring Daniel Brühl and Léa Seydoux.

Buzz factor: François Ozon, known for 8 Women and Potiche, delivers a gripping spy thriller.

"Echoes of Silence" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A deaf composer regains her hearing after a medical breakthrough, but the experience triggers haunting memories of her past. Directed by Asghar Farhadi, written by Farhadi, starring Golshifteh Farahani and Ali Mosaffa.

Buzz factor: Farhadi, a two-time Oscar winner, returns with a deeply personal drama.

"The Long Road Home" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A Syrian refugee family navigates the challenges of resettlement in Germany while clinging to hope for their future. Directed by Maria Martínez Bayona, written by Bayona, starring Youssef Akkari and Dounia Sichov.

Buzz factor: Bayona’s debut feature explores timely themes of displacement and resilience.

"Love in Translation" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A linguist falls in love with a woman who speaks a language he cannot understand, leading to a series of comedic and emotional misunderstandings. Directed by Ira Sachs, written by Sachs, starring Greta Lee and Steven Yeun.

Buzz factor: Sachs, known for Moonlight collaborator, crafts a heartfelt romantic comedy.

"The Silent Pact" (Cannes)

Synopsis: Two siblings, separated by a family feud, reunite to uncover the truth behind their parents’ mysterious disappearance. Directed by Jordan Firstman, written by Firstman, starring Paul Dano and Laura Dern.

Buzz factor: Firstman’s debut feature blends drama and dark humor.

"Midnight in Paris Revisited" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A time-traveling novelist gets trapped in 1920s Paris, where he encounters literary legends like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Directed by Whit Stillman, written by Stillman, starring Xavier Dolan and Léa Seydoux.

Buzz factor: Stillman’s nostalgic homage to Parisian literary history.

"The Forgotten War" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A journalist investigates a decades-old conflict in the Balkans, uncovering buried secrets that challenge historical narratives. Directed by Andy Garcia, written by Garcia, starring Andy Garcia and Marion Cotillard.

Buzz factor: Garcia’s directorial debut blends war drama with investigative journalism.

"The Glass House" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A reclusive architect designs a transparent home for a grieving widow, forcing her to confront her past. Directed by Céline Sciamma, written by Sciamma, starring Adèle Haenel and Denis Lavant.

Buzz factor: Sciamma, known for Portrait of a Lady on Fire, explores themes of grief and transparency.

"The Last Waltz" (Cannes)

Synopsis: A retired ballerina reconnects with her former dance partner for one final performance, revisiting their shared past. Directed by François Ozon, written by Ozon, starring Isabelle Huppert and Lambert Wilson.

Buzz factor: A poignant exploration of art, memory, and legacy.