Cinema Beyond the Croisette: Cannes International Film Week Announces 2026 Winners

When the Cannes International Film Week quietly launched in 2024 — streaming in tandem with the world’s most prestigious film festival — many in the industry dismissed it as a curious footnote. A digital echo. A minor chord in a symphony already saturated with film markets, red carpets, and yacht meetings.

Now, just two year later, the mood has shifted. No longer just a parallel experiment, Cannes International Film Week has returned with over 130 rigorously curated films, a clear vision, and a growing reputation among indie filmmakers and distributors alike.

There are no physical screenings, no standing ovations at the Palais. But there is something Cannes-adjacent doesn’t always guarantee: a deep commitment to discovery.

“We’re not trying to reproduce Cannes in a digital format,” says festival director Kris De Meester. “We’re building a complementary ecosystem designed to broaden access, elevate discovery, and support independent cinema on a global scale.”

The Cannes International Film Week concludes on May 31, celebrating a fortnight of cinematic excellence. Over the past two weeks, the festival showcased 133 films from across the globe. 

Today, Cannes International Film Week is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 edition. From 133 extraordinary films from around the world, the jury panel has selected the following winners:

‘Cannes Auteur Award’©

For elevating the craft of filmmaking through visionary storytelling and artistic excellence.

The Insides of our Lives (Netherlands) by Misja Pekel

‘Cannes Acteur Award’©

For advancing the medium of acting by embracing simplicity, creating deeply resonant and authentic portrayals.

Ayaka Onishi in Scenario (Japan) by Kazunori Miura

‘Cannes Lumière Award’©

For expertly transforming light and image into a motion picture.

Daan Kretschmann for Tokyo Toy Boy (Belgium) by Esli Balatova

‘Cannes Avant-Garde Award’©

For favoring or introducing new and experimental ideas and methods.

Becoming (United Kingdom) by Shelley Hopkins

Best Narrative Feature Film

Doll (Russian Federation) by Egor Beroev

Best Documentary Feature Film

Prophet Town (United States) by Dan Howlett

Best Narrative Short Film

Franck (France) by Fabio Caldironi

Best Documentary Short Film

No Longer / Not Yet (France) by Jacquelyn Elder

Best Experimental Film

Trump Pinochet (United States) by Gerald Habarth

Best Underground Film

Dead, White and Blue (United States) by Mike Davis

Best Animated Film

El día que me quieras. El viaje de Gardel (Argentina) by Matias Mera

Best Music Video

Loser (Taiwan) by Mali Chen

Connecting Cultures Award

NŪR (Congo, The Democratic Republic of the) by Ryan Youngblood

Best Episodic

Hard To Swallow (United States) by Tunde Wey, Theo Schea

Audience Choice Award

to be announced on June 1st

For more information, to explore the full lineup, or to watch all the films (until May 31), please visit: www.cannesfilmweek.com