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Cannes Critics' Week: No US Films in Competition
13 Apr
Summary
- Seven first and second-time directors films will compete in 2026.
- No American films selected for competition or special screenings.
- Vietnamese animated film 'In Waves' opens the sidebar.
The 2026 Cannes Critics' Week, celebrating its 65th year, will showcase seven films from first and second-time directors from May 13-21. This year's selection notably features no films from American filmmakers, continuing a trend seen in the main Cannes lineup. Instead, the sidebar highlights a diverse range of international talent, with France having a strong presence.
The opening film is Phuong Mai Nguyen's "In Waves," a Vietnamese animated feature, which is a first for Critics' Week. The sidebar will conclude with Felix de Givry's "Adieu monde cruel." Both opening and closing films are directed by first-timers.
Critics' Week, Cannes' oldest independent sidebar, has a history of launching acclaimed directors. New initiatives for 2026 include a 4,000 Euro Sony prize for the Discovery Prize for Short Film and a partnership with the Institut français for industry events.
