79th edition of the famous

Cannes Festival

The 79th edition will be held from 12 to 23 May 2026.

Since 1939, the Cannes Film Festival has been one of the most talked-about and eagerly-awaited events in the world of cinema. For 12 days, the seaside town thrills lovers of the 7th art around the emblematic ascent of the steps and its famous Croisette.

This year’s festival promises to be exceptional with a selection of films from around the world, tributes to film personalities and unforgettable gala evenings. Film buffs from all over the world are eagerly awaiting this not-to-be-missed event in the film industry.

LE FESTIVAL DE CANNES

12 days of international competition in Cannes, on the Côte d’Azur.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema. It takes place every year in the town of Cannes, on the Côte d’Azur, for a fortnight in May.

Created in 1946 to celebrate cinema and reward the best achievements of the year, it has become a not-to-be-missed event for actors, directors and producers from all over the world.

The Cannes Festival is best known for the Palme d’Or, which is the highest award given to a film in competition. The official competition, which takes place in the heart of the famous Palais des Festivals.

The films selected for the official competition are screened before a jury made up of personalities from the world of cinema. The jury awards prizes in various categories, including the Palme d’Or, the Grand Prix, the Jury Prize and the Director’s Prize.

The Cannes Film Festival is a symbol of cinematic excellence and a reflection of the evolution of the film industry over the years. It continues to inspire and encourage new talent, while celebrating the achievements of those who have already left their mark on the history of cinema.

Official website of the Cannes Festival

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CANNES FESTIVAL: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE STEPS

The show isn’t just on the big screen at
the Cannes Film Festival!

The climb up the steps at the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most emblematic moments of this prestigious event.

Every evening, film stars from all over the world climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals to attend screenings of films in competition.

It’s a moment of glamour and haute couture, when actors and actresses compete in elegant outfits from the greatest fashion designers.

There are 24 of them, and climbing them remains a privilege, but certain rules must be observed! Suits are compulsory for men, long dresses for women and since 2018, selfies are strictly forbidden there!

Once inside, guests attend the screening of the evening’s competition film. At the end of the screening, the director and actors take to the stage to answer questions from the press and receive any awards.

The Cannes Film Festival’s ascent of the steps is an event in its own right that attracts the attention of the world’s media. It’s a moment to celebrate cinema and the art of fashion, where film stars compete in elegance and refinement.

THESE FAMOUS CANNES FESTIVAL EVENINGS

If the Festival rhymes with glamour and glitter, it also owes it to the legendary evenings on the Croisette.

The Cannes Festival is also known for its famous evenings, which are organised each year alongside screenings of films in competition. These gala evenings attract film stars from all over the world and are an opportunity for film industry professionals to meet and celebrate the art of cinema.

As soon as night falls, the Croisette is ablaze with music and long dresses twirling on a beach, rooftop or boat, away from prying eyes.

Over the years, they have become unmissable events for the stars, who take the opportunity to combine charity with pleasure, such as the Amfar evening held at the Eden Roc or the Global Gift Gala, brought to life by actress Eva Longoria and dedicated to raising funds for disadvantaged children.

But the evenings are not just reserved for VIP guests. Numerous parties are also being organised in clubs and bars across the city, where film buffs and party-goers can mingle in the glamorous atmosphere of the festival.

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HOW TO ATTEND THE SCREENINGS

We tell you all about the Cannes Film Festival screenings!

Only a privileged few can attend the evening screenings in the grand Louis Lumière auditorium. On the other hand, during the day, subject to availability, tickets are distributed before each screening in front of the Palais des Festivals.

To get the precious sesame, it’s also possible to try your luck thanks to Cannes Cinéphile, which every year offers the chance to get accredited if you’re a film buff.

Finally, with your feet in the sand, the cinema on the beach offers a selection of films free of charge throughout the dozen, and it’s open to everyone!

This unique experience allows festival-goers and Cannes residents to watch films on the big screen in the open air free of charge. Cinema on the Beach takes place on Plage Macé, located near the Palais des Festivals.

It’s an incredible experience for film buffs and professionals alike, so don’t hesitate to try your luck and take part in this not-to-be-missed event.

More information

FIGURES THAT SAY
LONG!

The Cannes Film Festival in figures…

78 editions: The Cannes Film Festival was created in 1946 and has since held 78 editions.
80,000 festival-goers.
4,000 journalists from all over the world cover the event and write articles about the films in competition.
230,000 people are present in Cannes (i.e. 3 times its year-round population).
5,000 screenings: During the Cannes Festival, around 5,000 film screenings take place, including around 200 films in competition for the Palme d’Or.
20,000 euros is the value of the Palme d’Or (18 carats).
27 Palmes d’Or: Since the Cannes Festival was founded, 27 Palmes d’Or have been awarded, including films such as “Apocalypse Now”, “Pulp Fiction” and “La Dolce Vita”.
145 kg is the weight of the poster that covers the Palais des Festivals.
180 metres of red carpet are needed every day to cover the steps.
89 countries are represented at the Festival.
1,000 people work at the Festival.

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Le Festival de Cannes s’engage

To include the event and its organisation in a voluntarist environmental approach that is both reasoned and realistic, the Festival de Cannes is implementing a strategy built around two priority issues: CO2 emissions and waste management.

Firstly, the Festival has adopted a sustainable development policy for all its activities, in order to reduce its consumption of energy, water and raw materials, as well as its greenhouse gas emissions. Ambitious targets have been set, particularly in terms of waste sorting, eco-friendly transport and the use of eco-labelled products.

In 2023, 100% of the official car fleet was made up of electric vehicles. In addition, all participants enjoyed free access to public transport in the city of Cannes thanks to a dedicated pass.

Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival has committed to becoming a responsible player in the ecological transition, by implementing concrete actions to preserve the environment. This approach is part of a broader vision of social and environmental responsibility, aimed at promoting sustainable and equitable development for all.

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About the CANNES FESTIVAL

By AblaCarolyn

Cannois at heart, blogger with a passion for gastronomy, decoration and the art of living, I love sharing my good addresses and my favourites on the Côte d’Azur. I want to highlight the values, beauty and eclecticism that shape the Côte d’Azur.