Cannes 2026: the Filmmakers’ Fortnight unveils its selection

Between discoveries, expected returns and more atypical objects, with landmarks like the Carrosse d’or given to Claire Denis and Quentin Dupieux who will present his first animated film.

Faithful to its DNA, the Quinzaine des filmmakers brings together an international and heterogeneous selection, attentive to filmmakers who evolve outside the lines. From May 13 to 23, we will be able to discover 19 features and 9 shorts, with a balanced balance between recognized signatures and newcomers, including six first works.

Films from five continents, with a notable presence of less exposed territories, and a solid place given to documentary and animation. As we already knew, one of the big moments will be the awarding of the Golden Coach to Claire Denis. This prize, awarded by the SRF (the Society of Film Directors), distinguishes a director “pfor the innovative qualities of his films, for his courage and intransigence in the direction and production “.

In the selection, there is no shortage of references. Lisandro Alonso, Radu Jude and Clio Barnard rub shoulders with new names, while the return of Alain Cavalier, with a new chapter of his filmed diary (Thank you for coming), which could be his last film.

But it is perhaps from Quentin Dupieux that the most unexpected proposal is found. The filmmaker presents Vertigohis first animated film, at the end. A logical turn for a director accustomed to circumventing formats, who relies here on the voices of Alain Chabat, Jonathan Cohen and Anaïs Demoustier. A way of extending his absurd universe by changing the playing field. Note that Dupieux will also be in a midnight session on the other side of the Croisette, with Full Phil.

Let us also point out that the Fortnight films will also be visible in theaters throughout France from June. The list of participating cinemas can be found here.

The selection of the 2026 Filmmakers’ Fortnight

Opening film

Butterfly Jam – Kantemir Balagov

Closing film

Vertigo (Vertiginous) – Quentin Dupieux

Competition
9 Temples To Heaven – Sompot Chidgasornpongse
Atonement – Reed Van Dyk
Carmen, The Rebel Bird (Viva Carmen) – Sébastien Laudenbach
Clarissa – Arie Esiri & Chuko Esiri
Death Has No Master (La Muerte No Tiene Dueño) – Jorge Thielen Armand
Dora – July Jung
Double Freedom (La Libertad Doble) – Lisandro Alonso
Too Many Beasts – Sarah Arnold
Gabin – Maxence Voiseux
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning – Clio Barnard
The Diary Of A Chambermaid – Radu Jude
Low Expectations (Lave Forventninger) – Eivind Landsvik
Merci D’être Venu (Thanks For Coming) – Alain Cavalier
Once Upon A Time In Harlem – William Greaves & David Greaves
La Perra – Dominga Sotomayor
Shana – Lila Pinell
We Are Aliens – Kohei Kadowaki

Medium and short films

In Search of the Gray Bird with Green Stripes – Saïd Hamich Benlarbi
Daughters Of The Late Colonel – Elizabeth Hobbs
Madrugada – Sebastián Lojo
Eri – Yano Honami
Free Eliza (Notes On An Anatomical Imperfection) – Alexandra Matheou
The Joyless Economy – Marjorie Conrad
Nothing Happens After Your Absence – Ibrahim Omar
Oh Boys – Antonio Donato
Pithead – Wannes Vanspauwen & Pol De Plecker