Almodóvar, Travolta and Bardem lead 2026 Cannes lineup • FRANCE 24 English

Film critic Ben Croll joins Eve Jackson to break 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. Among the highlights: a strong showing from past Palme d’Or winners, including Hirokazu Kore-eda, who returns to competition, alongside acclaimed filmmakers like Pawel Pawlikowski and Lukas Dhont. Meanwhile, John Travolta will make his directorial debut at the festival - one of the most anticipated moments of this year’s lineup.

Beyond the competition, Cannes will also honour two legends of the industry: Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson, both set to receive honorary Palme d’Or awards.

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