Cannes 2026 Opens with Salvadori's Romantic Comedy, Honors Peter Jackson
The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened with a ceremony hosted by French comedian Eye Haïdara. An honorary Palme d'Or was awarded to Peter Jackson, presented by Elijah Wood. Jackson recalled his two previous visits to Cannes: the debut of 'Bad Taste' at the Marché du Film and the presentation of 23 minutes of 'The Lord of the Rings' 25 years ago. Gong Li and Jane Fonda jointly declared the festival open, with Fonda delivering a speech on cinema as an act of resistance. The opening film was Pierre Salvadori's 'Venus électrique', a romantic comedy set in 1928 Paris about an artist who finds inspiration through fake séances. The film draws on classic Hollywood comedy and directors like Lubitsch, Wilder, and Edwards.
Key facts
- 79th Cannes Film Festival opened in 2026.
- Honorary Palme d'Or awarded to Peter Jackson.
- Elijah Wood presented the award to Jackson.
- Jackson's 'Bad Taste' debuted at Marché du Film.
- Jackson showed 23 minutes of 'The Lord of the Rings' at Cannes 25 years ago.
- Gong Li and Jane Fonda declared the festival open.
- Jane Fonda gave a speech on cinema as an act of resistance.
- Opening film: 'Venus électrique' by Pierre Salvadori.
- Film set in 1928 Paris, about artist Antoine Balestro.
- Influences: Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, Blake Edwards.
Entities
Artists
- Peter Jackson
- Elijah Wood
- Eye Haïdara
- Gong Li
- Jane Fonda
- Pierre Salvadori
- Antoine Balestro
- Ernst Lubitsch
- Billy Wilder
- Blake Edwards
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Marché du Film
- Artribune
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- Paris