Issued on: 09/04/2026 - 17:38Modified: 10/04/2026 - 11:40

Film critic Ben Croll joins Eve Jackson to break down this year’s Cannes lineup – from the biggest names to the early buzz, and what it reveals about the state of global cinema. The 2026 Cannes Film Festival is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about editions in years. Major directors including Pedro Almodóvar, Steven Soderbergh and Ron Howard are set to premiere new work on the Croisette. They are joined by a host of international stars – among them Javier Bardem, Michael Fassbender and Kristen Stewart – underlining Cannes’ enduring global appeal.

At a press conference in Paris, festival president Iris Knobloch and artistic director Thierry Frémaux unveiled a 21-film competition lineup, with additional titles expected in the coming days.

The 79th edition of the festival will run from 12 to 23 May, with South Korean director Park Chan-wook serving as jury president. Among the highlights is a strong showing from past Palme d’Or winners, including Hirokazu Kore-eda, who returns to competition, alongside acclaimed directors such as Pawel Pawlikowski and Lukas Dhont.

Meanwhile, John Travolta is set to make his directorial debut at the festival – one of the most anticipated moments of this year’s lineup.

Beyond the main competition, Cannes will also honour two giants of the industry: Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson, both of whom will receive honorary Palme d’Or awards.

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