Cannes 2026: Female Portraits in Competition and Bolloré Controversy
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival features several female-centric films in competition, including Jeanne Herry's 'Garance' starring Adèle Exarchopoulos as an alcoholic actress, Judith Godrèche's 'Mémoire de fille' adapted from Annie Ernaux's memoir about rape, and Arthur Harari's 'L'Inconnue' with Léa Seydoux and Niels Schneider. A controversy has emerged after a petition signed by 600 actors and directors, including Harari, against Vincent Bolloré, owner of Canal+, which funds much of French cinema. Bolloré stated he will no longer work with those opposing his shareholder. The festival runs from May 17 to May 18, 2026.
Key facts
- Jeanne Herry's film 'Garance' features Adèle Exarchopoulos as an alcoholic actress.
- Judith Godrèche returns to Cannes with 'Mémoire de fille', adapted from Annie Ernaux's memoir.
- Tess Barthélémy, Godrèche's daughter, plays the young Annie Ernaux in 'Mémoire de fille'.
- Arthur Harari's 'L'Inconnue' competes for the Palme d'Or on May 18.
- Harari co-wrote 'Anatomy of a Fall', which won the Palme d'Or in 2023.
- Over 600 signatories, including Harari, signed a petition against Vincent Bolloré.
- Bolloré, head of Canal+, said he will not work with those opposing his shareholder.
- The festival includes films by Juliette Binoche, Jean-Pascal Zadi, and Adèle Haenel.
Entities
Artists
- Adèle Exarchopoulos
- Jeanne Herry
- Judith Godrèche
- Annie Ernaux
- Tess Barthélémy
- Arthur Harari
- Léa Seydoux
- Niels Schneider
- Juliette Binoche
- Jean-Pascal Zadi
- Adèle Haenel
- Vincent Bolloré
- Justine Triet
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Canal+
- Chi-Fou-Mi Productions
- Trésor Films
- Artémis Productions
- RFI
Locations
- Cannes
- France