On the occasion of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from May 12 to 23, 2026, the Randstad group is launching a large-scale recruitment campaign to form the reception teams. In total, 1,000 hosts and hostesses are being sought to accompany the 40,000 festival-goers.
As this major global cinema event approaches, the Randstad group is launching a large-scale recruitment campaign to form the reception teams. 1,000 hosts and hostesses are being sought to ensure the smooth running of the event and the Film Market. As a partner of the Festival since 2010, Randstad has been handling the recruitment of reception teams for the 17th consecutive year. Selected individuals will have the mission to welcome, guide, and assist cinema professionals during the twelve days of the event, in the heart of the Croisette.
The kick-off of recruitments
While the spotlights are not yet on, preparations have already begun. Each year, more than half of the 1,000 hosts and hostesses choose to come back to live the experience. To complete its workforce, Randstad plans to recruit 400 new talents between February and the end of April 2026. Behind the prestige and glamour of the Festival lies an organization of great precision. Reception teams are involved at every key stage: guest orientation in the venues, protocol management, press conference coordination.
The most iconic moment remains the red carpet entrance: nearly 70 people are mobilized to orchestrate each passage on the red carpet and ensure the smooth flow of this highlight. No specific diploma or prior experience is required to apply. However, proficiency in foreign languages, especially English, is essential. The selection mainly relies on “soft skills”: sense of hospitality, verbal fluency, thoroughness, and adaptability are among the key competencies sought. New recruits benefit from comprehensive support, combining theoretical training and practical immersion. The goal is to enable them to integrate quickly and contribute to the operational excellence of the event.
An agency at the heart of the Palais
To support this organization, a Randstad agency sets up directly within the premises of the Palais des Festivals throughout the event. Four staff members are mobilized seven days a week to ensure welcome and coordination of the teams, as well as operational monitoring on the ground. The contracts offered are fixed-term contracts lasting 15 days to one month, depending on the type of mission entrusted. Starting in February, three months before the opening, Randstad teams launch the recruitment and training campaign. They also handle contract management, schedule planning, and outfit preparation.
A three-act training program
Randstad has structured a specific training program to prepare the teams for the Festival’s requirements. The first act involves an in-depth briefing. New talents participate in a theoretical training dedicated to discovering the inner workings of the Festival, its modes of operation, and immersive role-playing games. This stage aims to adopt the codes and spirit of excellence inherent to the event. The second act is devoted to mastering the field. The hosts and hostesses benefit from a behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais des Festivals to familiarize themselves with the premises and move around with ease.
Finally, the third act marks the start of employment. Each member joins their dedicated service to master its technical specificities. In real conditions, teams adjust the final elements of the protocol before the official launch. This accompanying journey, both theoretical and practical, aims to ensure an enriching professional experience and successful integration into the heart of the world’s largest film event.
