79th Cannes Film Festival Opens with Pierre Salvadori's 'La Vénus électrique'

The 79th Cannes Film Festival is set to commence on May 12, 2026, featuring 22 films vying for the prestigious Palme d'Or, following Jafar Panahi's 'Un simple accident,' the winner from 2025. Eye Haïdara will host the ceremony, which will honor Peter Jackson with a Palme d'Or and showcase Pierre Salvadori's 'La Vénus électrique.' The jury, chaired by Park Chan-wook and including members like Demi Moore and Chloé Zhao, has emphasized that awards should reflect 'merits alone.' Criticism arose from the feminist group 50/50 regarding the official poster featuring Thelma and Louise, citing 'feminism washing' due to only five female directors in the competition. Thierry Frémaux responded by highlighting that 34% of the directors are women. Additionally, 600 industry professionals signed a petition protesting Vincent Bolloré's influence in French cinema. The first film in competition will be screened on May 13.