The countdown is over, as the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival takes over the French Riviera from May 12th to May 23rd.

Over the next two weeks, Cannes will welcome world premieres, red carpets, major Hollywood names and some of the most talked-about films of the year. While previous festivals leaned into blockbuster premieres, Cannes 2026 is putting the spotlight back on auteur and independent cinema.

The Jury

This year’s competition jury is led by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. Joining him are stars including Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård and Irish-Ethiopian actress Ruth Negga.

Films Everyone Will Be Talking About

Some of the festival’s biggest premieres include:

• Hope from Na Hong-jin starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander
• Paper Tiger directed by James Gray featuring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver
• Sheep in the Box from Hirokazu Kore-eda, a futuristic drama exploring technology and human connection

Other major directors premiering work this year include Pedro Almodóvar and Andrey Zvyagintsev.

Stars Expected on the Croisette

Cannes wouldn’t be Cannes without celebrity arrivals and viral red carpet moments. Expected stars this year include:

• Rami Malek
• Kristen Stewart
• Cate Blanchett
• Julianne Moore
• Woody Harrelson
• Javier Bardem

Meanwhile, John Travolta is expected to draw huge attention with his directorial debut Propeller One-Way Night Coach.

Music, Sport & Special Moments

Director Steven Soderbergh will premiere John Lennon: The Last Interview, a documentary exploring one of music’s most iconic figures.

Football will also have a major presence at the festival with Cantona, centred around football legend Eric Cantona, alongside The Match, revisiting Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” World Cup moment.

This year’s honorary Palme d’Or awards will go to Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson.

Irish Representation in Cannes

Irish actress, model and sustainability advocate Maksuda Akhter will also attend the festival, showcasing Irish fashion and promoting sustainable design on an international stage.

Recognised for her advocacy work and international fashion appearances, Maksuda continues to champion ethical fashion and emerging Irish creative talent throughout Cannes 2026.

From major premieres and standing ovations to fashion moments and celebrity arrivals, Cannes 2026 is set to dominate the entertainment world over the next two weeks.

Eeeeeekkkkkk, exciting.