Cannes Film Festival 2026: Must-Watch Films and Jury Highlights

The Cannes Film Festival, a cornerstone of global cinema since 1946, is underway in France. Renowned for launching Oscar-winning films like Parasite and Anora, this year’s festival continues its legacy despite fewer American submissions than usual.

How Did the Cannes Film Festival Begin?

Inspired by political controversies at the 1938 Venice Mostra, where Nazi pressure influenced awards, Philippe Erlanger sought to create a merit-based film festival. Initially planned for September 1, 1939, the festival was postponed due to Germany’s invasion of Poland and the onset of World War II. Had it proceeded, the lineup would have included The Wizard of Oz and Union Pacific. The festival finally debuted in 1946 with 19 participating countries, awarding a Grand Prix to each nation. The U.S. entry that year was Billy Wilder’s The Lost Weekend.

2026 Cannes Film Festival: Films to Watch

For the 2026 edition, 2,541 feature films were submitted, with 22 selected for the Palme d’Or competition. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will chair the jury, alongside director Chloé Zhao, actress Demi Moore, and actor Stellan Skarsgård.

American Entries in Competition

Only two U.S. films are in competition this year:

• Paper Tiger (James Gray): A crime drama set in 1980s Queens, following the Pearl brothers as they navigate the Russian mafia while chasing the American dream. Stars Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller.
• The Man I Love (Ira Sachs): Set in 1980s New York, the film centers on Jimmy George, an actor with a terminal illness, as he prepares for his final role. Stars Rami Malek.

International Highlights

Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden marks the Japanese director’s first French-language film. Following his 2021 Oscar-nominated Drive My Car—the first Japanese film nominated for Best Picture—fans anticipate another bold statement from Hamaguchi.

Honorees at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival

Beyond films, the festival will recognize outstanding individuals. Director and writer Peter Jackson and multi-talented artist Barbra Streisand are among those being honored.

For a complete list of official sections and screenings, visit the official Cannes Film Festival website.