The 79th Cannes Film Festival has wrapped, amid acquainted complaints in regards to the lack of Hollywood blockbusters, fewer American stars and a contest lineup that delivered a string of beloved movies however no rapid consensus masterpiece. But, Thierry Frémaux sees a really completely different story. In his view, Cannes has by no means been extra aggressive, extra influential or extra immune to the forces reshaping the leisure trade. “In 25 years, the festival has become more intense and more efficient,” says the Cannes Movie Competition’s longtime normal delegate and director, arguing that the Croisette continues to thrive regardless of “the acceleration of social media, the logic of influence and the growing pressure of money.”
In his first interview since this 12 months’s competition concluded with Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord,” a political drama starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, profitable the Palme d’Or, Frémaux — who marked his twenty fifth 12 months on the helm in 2026 — pushes again in opposition to claims that Cannes is shedding its Hollywood enchantment, arguing that American cinema stays central to the competition (“The United States is the second most represented country in Cannes,” he says), even because the trade undergoes a profound restructuring. Whereas acknowledging a lighter studio presence this 12 months, Frémaux notes that stars together with Adam Driver, Kristen Stewart, Michael Fassbender, Rami Malek, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, John Travolta and Vin Diesel all confirmed up.
Frémaux additionally suggests the influence of the lineup might in the end be measured throughout awards season, because it’s been the case in recent times with “Anora,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Emilia Perez,” “The Substance,” “The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall.”
This 12 months, “Fjord,” together with different prizewinning movies, together with Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Minotaur,” Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Fatherland,” Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden,” Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo’s “La Bola Negra,” in addition to James Grey’s “Paper Tiger,” Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid” and Ira Sachs’ “The Man I Love” are already being mentioned as potential awards season contenders.
Frémaux additionally weighs in on why buzzy Un Sure Regard titles similar to “Club Kid,” “Congo Boy” and “Teenage Sex or Death at Camp Miasma” generated extra buzz some Competitors entries. Defending the competition’s programming technique, he argues that Un Sure Regard has turn into a key incubator for the following technology of Competitors filmmakers and explains why shifting “Club Kid” into Competitors won’t have served the movie as nicely.
The Cannes chief additionally continues to be hopeful that Netflix will return to the Croisette, saying Ted Sarandos is welcome and arguing that the streamer’s comeback “would be a major event.” He identified Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Netflix movie “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” which could have a theatrical rollout (in IMAX) world wide.
Our wide-ranging dialog additionally sees Frémaux addressing, for the primary time, the controversy surrounding Canal+ and the petition concentrating on Vincent Bolloré which dominated headlines in the course of the competition. Whereas criticizing references to a “fascist vision” as extreme, Frémaux says Bolloré is brazenly pursuing “an ideological project” forward of France’s subsequent presidential election and acknowledges that issues surrounding his rising affect over media, publishing and tradition are reputable topics of debate.
This version marks your twenty fifth 12 months as normal delegate: you started in 2001. How do you look again on this 79th version in contrast together with your early years?
A Cannes version is profitable when every thing runs easily by way of group, safety, screenings, the welcoming of accredited company, and when the jury delivers a powerful awards lineup. Additionally when the Movie Market is fruitful and the Competition stays the very best place for trade enterprise. Lastly, when Cannes’ native companies (motels, eating places) are happy — they usually instructed me they have been.
In 25 years, the Cannes Movie Competition has modified; it has turn into extra intense and extra environment friendly. It is usually calmer and friendlier. Its public has turn into a giant asset. With out extreme optimism, in a world that’s changing into harsher, the Competition, quite the opposite, is opening up and enhancing. Because of festivalgoers, who’re true lovers of cinema, it withstands the worst upheavals of our period: the acceleration of social media, the logic of affect, and the rising strain of cash. Earlier than opening evening, there are all the time a number of individuals attempting to spark controversies, however they’re changing into uncommon and add nothing that has not already been mentioned up to now. The Competition’s detractors are those that realize it poorly, they usually change their minds the day they arrive on the Croisette. As a result of as quickly because it begins, cinema reigns supreme — the works, the artists, the professionals. At Cannes, in case you are not speaking about movies… you might be speaking about nothing.
What do you contemplate the best successes of this version?
I can’t single out one particular second. In the course of the Competition, I give up myself to the ambiance — I really feel theaters vibrating, sure movies standing out, opinions rising. I additionally get pleasure from seeing a private imaginative and prescient of the alternatives filter by the varied juries (as a result of there are numerous of them!). I additionally learn among the crucial assessments as soon as the version is over. One in all our rising successes lies in the best way Cannes is linked to French film theaters. The opening ceremony and movie have been broadcast in almost 1,000 cinemas throughout France, a document achieved along with the Nationwide Federation of French Cinemas. Salvadori’s movie thus loved a significant launch the day earlier than its nationwide launch, along with the distinctive publicity provided by opening Cannes. And in June, the Official Choice expands into many theaters — arthouse cinemas in addition to multiplexes — in Paris, all through France, and even in sure European cities. We’re joyful about this communion with theaters and audiences. In any other case, I’d say that “Jim Queen’s” midnight screening was probably the most lovely within the Competition’s historical past by way of ambiance, similar to what “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” as soon as was, and the “Vin Diesel moment,” celebrating Quick & Livid, was fairly extraordinary. And all of this at two within the morning!
Wait, you’re nonetheless out at 2 a.m.?
Sure, and most frequently at three! I invite the movie groups, so it’s only regular that I stick with them till the ultimate applause. If that’s at three within the morning, then I’m by their aspect at three within the morning. We flip off the lights, shut the Palais, and fall asleep (nicely, not less than I do!) earlier than beginning another time the following day!
No movie actually brought on a scandal this 12 months. Has Cannes gone comfortable or have the flicks turn into bland?
I don’t suppose so. In the course of the winter, discussions throughout the choice committee are very full of life, and people on the Croisette are as nicely. Issues are merely expressed otherwise. Prior to now, the development was to slam seats or shout disapproval; at the moment, it occurs on smartphones, by the capillarity and extroversion of digital opinions. What’s current is the best way audiences specific themselves by celebrating the Competition brand at the start of each screening, applauding throughout screenings, and staying till the top credit to take heed to artists converse — a newly established ritual. In Un Sure Regard, there have been occasions like “Club Kid,” “Congo Boy,” the Rwandan movie by Marie-Clémentine Dusajembo that received the Caméra d’Or, “Le Corset” which displays the wonderful well being of animation at Cannes — and in particular screenings, “Tangles” and “Lucy Lost” made a powerful impression. In brief, day by day was a celebration.
Cannes lengthy had the picture of getting an elitist viewers…
That has modified as a result of the viewers has turn into significantly youthful. A robust phenomenon has emerged over time: the foremost place now occupied by cinema followers. Generally I’m wondering myself the place they arrive from, and I like seeing essentially the most jaded cinephile turn into as soon as once more an nameless and enthusiastic spectator. The midnight screenings, the seashore cinema, the particular screenings, documentaries, Cannes Classics — all are celebrations. The “3 Days in Cannes” initiative launched in 2018 for 18-25 year-olds additionally contributes to generational renewal. There are not separate classes remoted from each other: organizers, journalists, artists, professionals, younger individuals, older individuals, novices and barons. The Croisette viewers is made up of all these individuals.
James Grey as soon as once more leaves with no prize.
Personally, I say “Alas,” however the jury is sovereign. James Grey had an important competition. “Paper Tiger” was liked, the critiques are magnificent, and it bought nicely. It held a splendid place — we have been delighted to welcome it. And the second American director in competitors, Ira Sachs, additionally upheld his standing.
American star-driven movies are hardly ever awarded in Cannes, until the jury is presided over by an American. How do you persuade Hollywood to come back again below these situations?
I’m not positive these issues are correlated, and we should always not lump all American cinema collectively below the title Hollywood. Hollywood means the studios, and once they have blockbusters like High Gun: Maverick or Mission: Unimaginable, they arrive! Usually, they’re out of competitors, so awards aren’t actually their concern. The USA is the nation that has received essentially the most prizes and Palme d’Ors in Cannes. The latest instance really invitations us not to attract hasty conclusions: Sean Baker’s Anora received the Palme d’Or in Cannes earlier than receiving the Oscar for Greatest Image in 2025. However worldwide cinema is strongly difficult U.S. cinema, because the Oscars show. Every competition tells a special story; allow us to wait and see what future editions convey us.
However there have been comparatively few American stars this 12 months…
Comparatively, as you say. It’s a traditional evergreen matter: as quickly as there are fewer American stars, individuals say there are none anymore. Nothing new in contrast with the Fifties or the Nineteen Eighties. Allow us to not neglect the appearances over the previous three years of Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, The Weeknd, Michael Douglas, Emma Stone, Demi Moore, Kevin Costner, and so forth. This 12 months, there have been stars who’re certainly a elementary ingredient in a Competition’s success: Adam Driver, Kristen Stewart, Michael Fassbender, Rami Malek, Geena Davis, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, and so forth. Allow us to additionally add Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, who made unbelievable appearances. And apologies to anybody I’m forgetting. John Travolta got here in majestic style for his first movie as a director, and Vin Diesel was accompanied by his solid and the whole Common studio staff. Hollywood celebrations like these, we wish extra of them! To judge the Competition, you could look over a number of years — not less than 5, I’d say. And concerning the U.S., one should perceive that its movie trade is present process a profound restructuring. That’s what must be studied and documented. However I hear that CinemaCon in Las Vegas this previous spring created optimism.
What in regards to the presence of American executives on the competition and market?
The USA is the second most represented nation in Cannes. We accredited the attendance of 39,993 accredited members from 140 nations, together with as many People as in 2025.
However do you suppose the geopolitical local weather now impacts American expertise attendance in Cannes?
No, the love for American cinema stays intact, and the fervour for stars is as sturdy as ever. People are welcome in Cannes, they usually all the time have been. After all, the entire world is affected by what is going on, with a planet below rigidity. Maybe that’s the reason there was such a sense of peace in the course of the two weeks of the Competition. It strengthens everybody’s conviction that cultural occasions are extra crucial than ever in troubled instances.
The competitors included an unusually excessive variety of French or French-language movies. Is {that a} reflection of present international manufacturing, or a deliberate alternative by the choice committee?
The competitors included 4 French movies, as ordinary, and there have been additionally three Spanish movies and three Japanese movies. It’s merely that the 2 Belgian movies have been French-language, and filmmakers like Farhadi or Hamaguchi selected to shoot in Paris in French. Because of its professionals, its sense of hospitality, and its environment friendly financial system, France is on the coronary heart of world cinema, and worldwide cinema advantages from it. The emergence of Spanish and Japanese cinema is just not unintentional both. These nations have a powerful cinematic custom and extremely skilled professionals.
The jury appeared divided over the awards lineup. Some see this as an indication there was no actual standout movie. What’s your opinion?
In everybody’s unanimous opinion, the choice was of a really excessive stage. It was subsequently troublesome for them to tell apart between sure movies. As you recognize, Iris Knobloch and I attend the ultimate assembly establishing the awards lineup — with out intervening, in fact. The jury, below the wonderful presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was each beneficiant and assured, had extraordinarily various and extremely democratic debates. The group introduced collectively completely different professions, generations, types, and geographic origins. They bought alongside very nicely, however deciding on seven awards from 22 movies is rarely a straightforward activity.
Why did you schedule ‘La Bola Negra’ on the finish of the Competition and never at the beginning of the competition to present the competitors a jolt?
“La Bola Negra” was not prepared earlier than the second week; it’s already a miracle that it was accomplished in time, similar to Lukas Dhont’s movie. Cannes loves revelations and discoveries: Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, “the Javis,” or Emmanuel Marre created fantastic surprises in competitors. On the French aspect, we guess on feminine administrators (Jeanne Herry, Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet, Léa Mysius) and younger cinema (Arthur Harari). The gamble paid off, and we’re joyful about it.
Furthermore, it is a chance to remind those that the second week is each bit as a lot part of the Competition as the primary. Producers typically assume they must be current at the start of a competition, however at Cannes that’s merely not true. The Competition genuinely unfolds over twelve days, and its historical past reveals that many movies screened towards the top of the Competition have gone on to win the Palme d’Or.”
This 12 months’s Cannes was shaken by political tensions as a result of petition concentrating on Vincent Bolloré and Canal+. What did you consider it the controversy?
Initially, the competition itself is not the goal of controversies, and that could be a good factor. In truth, we weren’t concerned on this one, though Cannes was naturally chosen as a sounding board, as a result of that is the place the talk would obtain sturdy consideration — Cannes all the time provides an distinctive platform to these wishing to convey a difficulty into the general public sphere. After that, petitions hardly ever change the course of issues, and personally, I’ve reservations about using grand phrases: talking of a “fascist vision” appears considerably disproportionate. Violent vocabulary, no matter its justification, solely provides to violence. It must be attainable to interact in dialogue otherwise.
The boos in opposition to Canal+ when their brand appeared on display screen in the course of the gala screenings have been fairly loud!
There have been boos, but it surely was not Might ’68 both! The logos of France Télévisions or the CNC, in addition to mentions of the areas internet hosting productions, acquired extraordinarily enthusiastic applause, most likely greater than ordinary, as a deliberate act of help. In France, persons are hooked up to public broadcasting. In the course of the parliamentary hearings on public broadcasting, the Cannes Movie Competition was attacked; who is aware of whether or not these boos weren’t a type of response? This petition should be positioned inside a tense French context, after a number of months of virulent criticism aimed toward cinema. Your readers ought to know that Vincent Bolloré makes no secret of pursuing an ideological venture with a view towards the following French presidential election. And that he’s utilizing his newspapers and tv channels within the service of that ambition. He has the appropriate to take action. Nevertheless it raises questions for many individuals as a result of it’s not merely enterprise however political engagement. Those that oppose it even have the appropriate to take action.
And the way did you react to Maxime Saada’s feedback saying he would not work with signatories of the petition?
The Cannes Movie Competition is hooked up to freedom of expression — that of the petition’s signatories in addition to that of Canal+ and Maxime Saada. We all know that we are going to all write the longer term collectively. I’m positive that is additionally the conviction of Canal+’s management.
Are you fearful in regards to the financing of French cinema, given Canal+’s place on this ecosystem?
Canal+ has all the time fulfilled its obligations. There may be subsequently no motive to fret. Its executives have by no means prompt that they might cease doing so, they usually know that lawmakers would remind them of their duties if failures have been noticed. In the course of the Competition, CNC president Gaëtan Bruel reiterated the important position of Canal+ and its executives. Personally, I repeated that Canal+ and StudioCanal have lengthy been exemplary and sensible corporations with admirable groups. It’s apparent that these groups, whose harm emotions one can perceive, aren’t being focused by anybody. They’ve our full help.
In the course of the “Moulin” press convention, Gilles Lellouche and László Nemes dodged a query in regards to the RN and LFI (the far proper and radical left events) and have been bashed on social media. Do you suppose actors and filmmakers can afford to maintain their distance from politics at the moment?
The Competition respects artists’ speech, whether or not it’s expressed by movies, interviews, or our press conferences. They are saying what they need, throughout the framework of the regulation, which doesn’t enable individuals to say simply something. However it’s clear that the polarization of political debate and the fierce competitors between conventional media and influencers creates ever better media rigidity. Individuals search for small phrases and blow up this or that episode. Once you converse with Gilles Lellouche, you might be chatting with a person with convictions. However throughout a press convention, he watches his phrases fastidiously, particularly when a query is partisan. His dedication is to painting Jean Moulin in his remaining days. That’s eloquent sufficient.
The speeches in the course of the closing ceremony have been politically charged however remained measured — apart from Andrey Zvyagintsev who took a danger addressing Putin immediately.
Sure, the artists confirmed dignity and restraint in the course of the closing ceremony. Zvyagintsev is in exile; he courageously protests in opposition to Putin’s legal invasion of Ukraine. He spoke clearly. Nadine Labaki praised Lebanon, that stunning nation that nobody appears to care about anymore. Movie individuals don’t dwell outdoors the world. In the event that they converse out, it’s as a result of they’re residents such as you and me.
Seeing some main auteurs like Pedro Almodovar or Asghar Farhadi go away with combined critiques and with out prizes, do you remorse not having programmed their movies out of competitors as a substitute?
All of them wish to are available in competitors!
In Un Sure Regard, movies like “Club Kid,” “Teenage Sex or Death at Camp Miasma” or “Congo Boy” typically generated extra buzz than some competitors titles.
A lot the higher! Un Sure Regard is having fun with large success: it nourishes the longer term competitors. The competitors can’t exceed 22 movies, and we reworked it: among the many 22 filmmakers, 11 have been there for the primary time and 5 for the second time — a 72% renewal fee. We should take into consideration the longer term: the Competition should convey ahead youthful generations — and it’s working!
Solely 5 auteurs got here greater than 3 times in competitors, and never the least vital ones: Zvyaguintsev, Grey, Almodóvar, Kore-eda and Mungiu. We weren’t going to deprive ourselves of them!
Why not put “Club Kid” in competitors?
“Club Kid” was in Un Sure Regard, it was acclaimed and reached excessive gross sales costs, changing into one of many Competition’s main points of interest. Would it not have achieved the identical success in competitors? Jordan Firstman and his producers have been proud of their Competition. We stay up for their subsequent movie.
Does that make you suppose otherwise in regards to the stability between Competitors and Un Sure Regard within the Competition’s programming?
We give it some thought on a regular basis! By not concentrating every thing on competitors and by discovering the appropriate place for every movie. It really works for the market, for journalists, and for atypical festivalgoers, who know that gems are hidden in all places — like Ron Howard or Steven Soderbergh’s “experiments” in particular screenings, or in Cannes Classics with movies by Mark Cousins and documentaries about Bruce Dern and David Lean. There was additionally buzz round sure midnight movies or documentaries like The Match, Les Survivants du Che, or Rehearsals for a Revolution by Pegah Ahangarani, which received the Golden Eye award for finest documentary, with a jury chaired by Oscar-winning Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov, whom we have been delighted to welcome.
Which movies do you suppose can be nominated for Greatest Image on the Oscars in 2027?
Making predictions is dangerous. Who may have anticipated the triumphs of “Parasite,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Anora,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sirat,” or “The Secret Agent”? I’m forgetting some. In any case, the Academy’s openness towards worldwide cinema must be applauded. The Oscars enable movies to get pleasure from a unprecedented remaining lap. As for 2027, there may be nonetheless time and a number of other months of cinema forward earlier than the primary outcomes arrive. Such as you, I can’t wait to search out out, delighted that movies offered in Cannes as world premieres are additionally celebrated on the Oscars a number of months later.
Is Ruben Östlund’s movie already confirmed for the 2027 competitors?
We’ve not seen something but. Ruben Östlund is at work. You’ll know extra – and so will I! — in April 2027!
Will the Competition display screen the primary episode of “The White Lotus” in Cannes subsequent 12 months?
It has not but been shot and is primarily supposed to air on HBO. Like many others, I can’t wait to see it!
What are the possibilities of seeing Netflix return to the Cannes Movie Competition?
Cannes opens its doorways to everybody who makes cinema a central artwork type of our period, and Netflix contributes to that in a significant manner. Ted Sarandos is aware of he’s welcome. One can have a unbelievable presence in Cannes, as Warner, Common, and Paramount lately did. Iris and I all the time hope to persuade him to rethink: Netflix’s return to Cannes can be a significant occasion.
Furthermore, Greta Gerwig’s movie, which Netflix is producing and distributing, seems to be pursuing a powerful and vast U.S. theatrical launch technique earlier than streaming, and it is going to be fascinating to see how that unfolds. The theatrical expertise stays a elementary standard, media, and monetary engine, however we should all work towards lastly bringing the worlds of streaming and film theaters nearer collectively.
Subsequent 12 months will mark the eightieth version of the Cannes Movie Competition. Do you have already got particular plans or expectations for this symbolic version?
Iris Knobloch and the Competition staff have been fascinated about it for a number of months. And we’re already starting the concrete preparation of this eightieth version. With one major intention: inviting all those that have made the Competition’s historical past. The Cannes Movie Competition is a collective celebration and should stay one.
You’ve got the presidential election in France subsequent 12 months. What are the dates for Cannes in 2027?
Sure, each 5 years, the presidential election takes place in April. It has by no means brought on any downside. The eightieth Cannes Movie Competition will happen from Might 11 to Might 22, 2027 — we can be there!
