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 all over the world, tributes to film personalities and unforgettable gala evenings. Film fans from all over the world look forward to this key event in the film industry.

THE CANNES FESTIVAL

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 Cannes, on the Côte d’Azur, for a fortnight in May.

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

The Cannes Film Festival is best known for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded to a film in competition. The official competition 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 leading figures 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, with actors and actresses competing in elegant outfits from the greatest fashion designers.

There are 24 of them, and climbing them is a privilege, but there are certain rules to be observed! Men must wear suits, women must wear long dresses, and since 2018, selfies are strictly forbidden!

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 “montée des marches” is an event in its own right, attracting media attention from all over the world. It is a celebration of cinema and the art of fashion, where film stars compete in elegance and refinement.

THE FAMOUS CANNES FESTIVAL PARTIES

If the Festival rhymes with glamour and glitter, it also owes it to the legendary soirées de la Croisette.

The Cannes Festival is also known for its famous parties, which are organised each year alongside the 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, like the Amfar evening held atEden Roc or the Global Gift Gala, hosted by actress Eva Longoria and dedicated to raising funds for underprivileged children.

But the evenings are not just for VIP guests. Numerous parties are also organised in the city’s clubs and bars, 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 screenings at the Cannes Film Festival!

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

To obtain the precious sesame, you can also try your luck with Cannes Cinéphile, which each year offers accreditation to film enthusiasts.

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, close to the Palais des Festivals.

It’s an incredible experience for film fans 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 SPEAK VOLUMES
LONG!

The Cannes Festival in figures…

78 editions: The Cannes Festival was created in 1946 and since then has organised 78 editions.
80,000 festival-goers.
4,000 journalists from all over the world covering the event and writing articles on the films in competition.
230,000 people are present in Cannes (i.e. 3 times its annual population).
5,000 screenings: During the Cannes Festival, around 5,000 films are screened, including around 200 films in competition for the Palme d’Or.
20,000 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 – that’s the weight of the poster cover that adorns 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 on the Festival.

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The Festival de Cannes makes a commitment

To ensure that the event and its organisation are part of a proactive 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, notably for waste sorting, environmentally-friendly transport and the use of eco-labelled products.

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

Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival has committed itself to becoming a responsible player in the ecological transition, by implementing concrete actions to protect 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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ON THE CANNES FESTIVAL

By AblaCarolyn

A native of Cannes at heart, and a blogger with a passion for gastronomy, interior design and the art of living, I love sharing my favourite places and places of interest on the Côte d’Azur. I want to highlight the values, beauty and eclecticism that shape the Côte d’Azur.