Almodóvar returns to Cannes in 2026 • FRANCE 24 English

Film critic Ben Croll breaks down this year’s Cannes lineup - from the biggest names to the films already generating buzz, and what it all says about the state of global cinema. The 2026 Cannes Film Festival is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about editions in years, with major names like Pedro Almodóvar, Steven Soderbergh and Ron Howard set to premiere new work on the Croisette. Joining them are a host of international stars, including Javier Bardem, Michael Fassbender and Kristen Stewart, underlining Cannes’ enduring global appeal. At a press conference in Paris, festival president Iris Knobloch and artistic director Thierry Frémaux unveiled a 21-film competition lineup, with more titles expected in the coming days. The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to 23, with South Korean director Park Chan-wook presiding over the jury. Meanwhile, John Travolta will make his directorial debut at the festival - one of the most anticipated moments of this year’s lineup. #Cannes 2026 #Cannes Film festival #Pedro Almodóvar 🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen 🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN 🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/ Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen