The official selection for the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival was unveiled on April 9 in Paris. The traditional press conference revealed the films selected for the upcoming festival, which will take place from May 12 to 23, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
The selection was presented by the festival’s president, Iris Knobloch, and the general delegate Thierry Frémaux. Like every year, several sections make up this lineup: the official competition, “Un Certain Regard,” special screenings, and out-of-competition screenings.
In total, around twenty films are competing for the Palme d’Or. The selection highlights particularly rich international auteur cinema, with the return of major filmmakers already familiar with the festival. Among them are Pedro Almodóvar, Asghar Farhadi, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Ryusuke Hamaguchi, each presenting a new feature film in competition.
But that’s not all. Directors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will be present this year on the Croisette. Several French productions are also expected in this official selection. The competition will open with La Vénus électrique by director Pierre Salvadori, screened out of competition during the opening ceremony. The jury tasked with awarding the Palme d’Or will be chaired by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. A renowned director known for films such as Old Boy and Decision to Leave, he succeeds French actress Juliette Binoche, who held this position the previous year.
Leïla Bekhti to Chair the “Un Certain Regard” Jury
Alongside the main competition, the “Un Certain Regard” section plays an important role in the festival’s program. Created to highlight bold works or emerging filmmakers, it often serves as a discovery space for new global cinema talents.
For this 79th edition, the jury of this section will be chaired by French actress Leïla Bekhti. She will be accompanied by four jurors: Senegalese producer Angèle Diabang, Lebanese composer Khaled Mouzanar, Italian director Laura Samani, and French director Thomas Cailley. Together, they will be tasked with selecting the winning film of this parallel section dedicated to auteur cinema and new narratives.
An accustomed attendee of the festival, Leïla Bekhti first walked the red carpet in 2009 for the presentation of the film Un Prophète. This year, she returns in an entirely new role as jury president. The actress described the experience as “a responsibility and a joy.” Every year, the “Un Certain Regard” section shines a light on unique works and helps reveal new talents. The 2025 edition notably recognized Chilean director Diego Céspedes, whose first film won the section’s award.
