Cannes Unveils Lineup for 79th Edition: Watch Live

Artistic Director Thierry Frémaux unveiled the official selection for the 79th Cannes Film Festival during a press conference in Paris on April 15, 2026, formally launching the countdown to the world's premier cinematic event. The announcement, made live from the UGC Normandie cinema, revealed the highly anticipated lineup of films that will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or and other awards on the French Riviera. The 2026 edition promises to be a landmark festival, featuring a diverse slate of international cinema from established auteurs and emerging talents. The official selection typically includes 18-22 films in competition, alongside entries in the Un Certain Regard, Out of Competition, and special screening categories. This year's program is expected to reflect current global cinematic trends while maintaining Cannes' reputation for artistic excellence and discovering groundbreaking work. The festival's organization, led by President Iris Knobloch and Frémaux, has spent months reviewing submissions from around the world to curate a program that balances artistic merit with cultural significance. The announcement marks the beginning of intense global media attention and industry preparations, with thousands of filmmakers, actors, distributors, and journalists preparing to descend on Cannes for the event running from mid to late May. The lineup reveal sets the stage for what many consider the most important fortnight in the international film calendar.