ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Biarritz Film Festival Opens with Kristen Stewart, Isabelle Huppert Honored

festival-fair · 2026-06-25

On Tuesday, the Basque coast welcomed the fourth annual Biarritz Film Festival-Nouvelles Vagues, showcasing 52 films and anticipating 20,000 attendees until Sunday. The opening ceremony, hosted by Ana Girardot, honored Isabelle Huppert with a lifetime achievement award and a digital accolade from the National Audiovisual Institute. Marion Cotillard presented Huppert, while Kristen Stewart, this year's jury president, noted that filmmaking is accessible to everyone. Festival president Jérôme Pulis-Etchevers, supported by Biarritz City Hall and Chanel, underscored the event's commitment to youth and freedom. The festival will conclude with a documentary on Jean Cocteau directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland.

Key facts

  • Fourth annual Biarritz Film Festival-Nouvelles Vagues opened Tuesday evening.
  • Festival founded to support young talent, features 52 films and expects 20,000 visitors.
  • Isabelle Huppert received honorary prize from Nouvelles Vagues and digital award from National Audiovisual Institute.
  • Kristen Stewart served as president of this year's jury.
  • Marion Cotillard introduced Huppert with praise.
  • Supported by Biarritz City Hall, Chanel, and over 55 corporate sponsors.
  • Chanel produced winners' trophies via Desrues artisans.
  • Festival closes with documentary on Jean Cocteau by Lisa Immordino Vreeland.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Biarritz Film Festival-Nouvelles Vagues
  • National Audiovisual Institute
  • Chanel
  • Biarritz City Hall
  • Desrues
  • Hôtel du Palais
  • Vogue

Locations

  • Biarritz
  • France
  • Basque coast
  • Paris
  • Villa de Larralde

Sources