This is the must-see event of spring on the French Riviera, taking place every year in Cannes on the Croisette. The International Film Festival, the world's most prestigious cinema event, is packed with new films, new talent, and glamour. The 79th edition will be held from May 12 to 23, 2026.
A bit of history…
Initiated by Jean Zay, then Minister of Fine Arts, the first edition of the International Film Festival took place on September 20, 1946.
From 1952 onwards, the Cannes Festival became the annual meeting place of the film world, with the ascent of the steps of the Palais des Festival as a symbol.
The Palme d'Or, the supreme prize awarded by the jury, takes its symbolism from the arms of the city of Cannes.
A festival of reference, many directors have come to present films that have left their mark on the memory, such as Fellini, Bergman, Buñuel or Coppola... Others still have made a name for themselves there, such as Tarantino, Cronenberg, Lars von Trier...
A look back at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
At the latest Cannes Film Festival, French actress Juliette Binoche presided over the jury, which included international film personalities such as Halle Berry, Hong Sangsoo, and Jeremy Strong. Actor Laurent Lafitte had the honor of serving as master of ceremonies for the opening and closing ceremonies at the Palais des Festivals.
Among the 22 feature films in competition, Iranian director Jafar Panahi's film A Simple Accident won the Palme d'Or. Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi) received the Grand Jury Prize. On the acting side, Wagner Moura was rewarded for his role in The Secret Agent (O Agento Secreto). Nadia Melliti won the Best Actress Award for her performance in the film La Petite Dernière directed by Hafsia Herzi.
The Un Certain Regard selection, which celebrates young auteur cinema, was chaired by Molly Manning Walker and awarded the prize to The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (La Misteriosa Mirada del Flamenco) by Diego Céspedes.
See the list of all the awards presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Spotlight on the 79th edition
After Greta Gerwig in 2024 and Juliette Binoche in 2025, who will climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals as President of the Jury in 2026?
Stay tuned to find out the composition of the jury and the films in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 12 to 23, 2026.
In the meantime, relive the highlights of the last edition of the Cannes Film Festival:
By Rédaction Explore France
La rédaction d'Explore France suit les tendances et l'actualité de la destination pour vous parler d'une France qui innove et revisite ses traditions. Des histoires et des talents qui donnent envie de (re)découvrir nos territoires.
