Cannes 2026 opens with calls for 'resistance' by artists
The 79th Cannes Film Festival commenced on May 12, 2026, with artists advocating for 'resistance.' The event kicked off with Pierre Salvadori's 'La Vénus électrique.' During the ceremony, actresses Gong Li and Jane Fonda recited a ceremonial phrase in both Chinese and French, with Fonda asserting, 'I believe cinema has always been an act of resistance.' Master of ceremonies Eye Haïdara addressed the audience, saying, 'To all of you who try to resist, here and elsewhere.' New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson was honored with an honorary Palme d'Or. The jury, chaired by Park Chan-wook, began their deliberations with 'La vie d'une femme' by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet and 'Nagi Notes' by Koji Fukada. Parallel sections launched on May 13, including the Quinzaine des cinéastes and Semaine de la critique.
Key facts
- 79th Cannes Film Festival opened on May 12, 2026.
- Opening ceremony featured calls for 'resistance' by artists.
- Actresses Gong Li and Jane Fonda spoke in Chinese and French.
- Jane Fonda stated cinema is an act of resistance.
- Eye Haïdara was master of ceremonies.
- Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or.
- Theodora and OKlou performed a cover of 'Get Back'.
- Jury president Park Chan-wook started competition with two films.
- Parallel sections opened on May 13, 2026.
- Julien Rejl is delegate general of Quinzaine des cinéastes.
- Ava Cahen is delegate general of Semaine de la critique.
- Semaine de la critique opened with 'In Waves' by Phuong Mai Nguyen.
Entities
Artists
- Gong Li
- Jane Fonda
- Eye Haïdara
- Peter Jackson
- Theodora
- OKlou
- Park Chan-wook
- Pierre Salvadori
- Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet
- Koji Fukada
- Julien Rejl
- Ava Cahen
- Phuong Mai Nguyen
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Quinzaine des cinéastes
- Semaine de la critique
- RFI
Locations
- Cannes
- France