Record 21 LGBT+ Films Compete for Queer Palm at Cannes 2026
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival features a record 21 LGBT+ films vying for the Queer Palm, up from just five in 2010. The Queer Palm, created in 2010 by journalist Franck Finance-Madureira, awards the best queer or feminist film via a parallel jury co-chaired this year by actress Anna Mouglalis and director Thomas Jolly. Among the contenders is 'La Bola Negra' by Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, which traces Spanish history through three gay men across different eras. This year also sees four lesbian-themed films competing for both the Queer Palm and the Palme d'Or. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds a petition signed by cinema professionals against Vincent Bolloré's influence on Canal+, prompting a response from Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada, who threatened to boycott signatories. Actor Alain Chabat criticized Saada's reaction as 'naze' (lame). Canal+ reaffirmed its support for diverse cinema and the Queer Palm.
Key facts
- 21 LGBT+ films are competing for the Queer Palm at Cannes 2026, a record number.
- The Queer Palm was founded in 2010 by journalist Franck Finance-Madureira.
- The 2026 Queer Palm jury is co-chaired by Anna Mouglalis and Thomas Jolly.
- Spanish film 'La Bola Negra' by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi is among the contenders.
- Four lesbian-themed films are in the running for both the Queer Palm and the Palme d'Or.
- A petition against Vincent Bolloré's influence on Canal+ sparked controversy.
- Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada threatened to boycott petition signatories.
- Alain Chabat criticized Saada's response as 'naze' (lame).
Entities
Artists
- Franck Finance-Madureira
- Anna Mouglalis
- Thomas Jolly
- Javier Calvo
- Javier Ambrossi
- Alain Chabat
- Maxime Saada
- Vincent Bolloré
- Jeanne Herry
- Cédric Jimenez
Institutions
- Canal+
- StudioCanal
- Queer Palm
- Cannes Film Festival
- RFI
Locations
- Cannes
- France