Cannes Film Festival 2026, 79th edition

Each spring, the Croisette once again becomes the beating heart of global cinema. For its 79th edition, the Cannes Film Festival promises to honor its legacy while embracing the defining questions of our time. Blending glamour, artistic excellence and cultural relevance, the 2026 edition opens with a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic female duos in film history.

A statement poster: Thelma & Louise, 35 years later

Thirty-five years after its world premiere in Cannes on May 20, 1991, Ridley Scott’s cult classic Thelma & Louise returns to the spotlight as the official poster of the Festival.

Drawn from a black-and-white production still, the image captures the two heroines in their legendary 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible. Louise, in a white tank top, locks eyes with the viewer in a defiant gaze, while Thelma, wearing dark sunglasses with a revolver tucked into the back of her jeans, looks toward the horizon.

More than a visual, this poster is a manifesto. It embodies escape, resistance and self-determination. Under the blazing Arkansas sun, these two women break free from societal constraints to carve their own path.

A film that still resonates today

Upon its release in 1991, Thelma & Louise disrupted the conventions of the road movie, a genre traditionally dominated by male narratives. Directed by Ridley Scott, who first appeared in Cannes in 1977 with The Duellists, and written by then newcomer Callie Khouri, the film quickly became a landmark. Khouri went on to win both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her screenplay.

Initially sparking debate and controversy in the United States, the film ultimately achieved critical and commercial success. Its impact has endured, becoming a cultural milestone in the representation of women on screen.

Carried by the unforgettable performances of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, the film stands as a celebration of female friendship and personal freedom, set against the vast, cinematic landscapes of the American Midwest and enhanced by a powerful score from Hans Zimmer.

Today, its themes remain strikingly relevant: emancipation, solidarity, resistance to violence and the ongoing pursuit of equality. By choosing this image, Cannes 2026 not only celebrates a cult classic but also acknowledges both the progress made and the road still ahead.

An exceptional jury reflecting global cinema

The 79th edition will be presided over by acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook. He will be joined by an international jury representing a wide spectrum of voices in contemporary cinema:

• Demi Moore, American actress and producer
• Ruth Negga, Irish-Ethiopian actress and producer
• Laura Wandel, Belgian director and screenwriter
• Chloé Zhao, Chinese director and screenwriter
• Diego Céspedes, Chilean director and screenwriter
• Isaach De Bankolé, Ivorian-American actor
• Paul Laverty, Scottish screenwriter
• Stellan Skarsgård, Swedish actor

Together, they will award the Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films in Official Competition.

A highly anticipated competition

Following the 2025 Palme d’Or awarded to It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi, under the presidency of Juliette Binoche, the 2026 selection is expected to once again showcase bold storytelling and cinematic innovation.

Cannes continues to serve as both a platform for established auteurs and a launchpad for emerging talents. This year’s competition will reflect the evolving narratives, aesthetics and political perspectives shaping contemporary cinema.

A global closing ceremony

The winners will be announced on Saturday, May 23, 2026, during the Closing Ceremony, broadcast live in France on France Télévisions and internationally via Brut.

This highly anticipated moment will celebrate the films that have defined the year and leave a lasting mark on the history of the Festival.

Cannes, between legacy and modernity

Beyond the red carpet and premieres, the Cannes Film Festival remains a symbol. A place where cultures meet, where careers are shaped and where cinema engages with the world.

With a poster as bold as Thelma & Louise, the 2026 edition sends a clear message: to honor films that challenge, inspire and move boundaries.

In 2026, Cannes does more than showcase cinema. It reflects society itself.

Photo Roland Neveu, sur le plateau de Thelma et Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991) © MGM Studios / Création graphique © Hartland Villa