The curtain fell this Saturday, May 23, 2026, on the 79th edition of the Festival de Cannes. After twelve days of screenings, glamour, emotion, and passionate debates on the Croisette, the jury chaired by Park Chan-wook unveiled a winners’ list distinguished by demanding, political, and deeply human works.
Surrounding the South Korean filmmaker were several major figures of international cinema: Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Chloé Zhao, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, Paul Laverty and Stellan Skarsgård. Together, they honored films from around the world among the 22 features competing in the official selection.
Mr Cristian Mungiu
This year, the Festival particularly celebrated sensitive and socially engaged cinema driven by bold and powerful filmmaking. The highly coveted Palme d’Or was awarded to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for Fjord, a drama praised for its striking visual strength and its intimate perspective on contemporary fractures.
Mr Andrey Zvyagintsev
The Grand Prix was awarded to Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev for Minotaure, a dark and hypnotic work that left a profound impression on festivalgoers.
Ladies Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto
One of the most applauded moments of the ceremony was undoubtedly the shared Best Actress Award presented to Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto for their deeply moving performances in Soudain by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Already widely discussed following its red carpet premiere on May 15, the film further confirmed its status as one of the most emotional revelations of this 2026 edition.
Gentlemen Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne
On the acting side, the Best Actor Award went to Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne for Coward by Lukas Dhont, a poignant drama that sparked strong reactions throughout the Croisette.
Mr Emmanuel Marre
European auteur cinema also stood out with the Best Screenplay Award presented to Emmanuel Marre for Notre Salut, while the Jury Prize honored Das Geträumte Abenteuer by Valeska Grisebach.
Mrs Valeska Grisebach
In the Un Certain Regard section, Everytime by Sandra Wollner won the top prize, confirming the rise of a new generation of European filmmakers.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the Caméra d’Or awarded to Ben’imana by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, honoring a remarkable debut feature that drew significant attention in the Un Certain Regard selection.
Finally, La Cinef, dedicated to films from cinema schools, showcased several emerging international talents, further proving that Cannes continues to play a vital role in discovering the filmmakers of tomorrow.
Winners of the 79th Cannes Film Festival
| Price | Winner(s) | Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Palme d’or | Mr Cristian Mungiu | Fjord |
| Grand Prix | Mr Andreï Zviaguintsev | Minotaure |
| Best Director Award (tied) | Gentlemen Javier Calvo & Javier Ambrossi | La Bola Negra |
| Best Director Award (tied) | Mr Pawel Pawlikowski | Fatherland |
| Best Screenplay Award | Mr Emmanuel Marre | Notre Salut |
| Jury Prize | Mrs Valeska Grisebach | Das Geträumte Abenteuer |
| Best Actress Award | Ladies Virginie Efira & Tao Okamoto | Soudain |
| Best Actor Award | Gentlemen Emmanuel Macchia & Valentin Campagne | Coward |
| Short Film Palme d’Or | Mr Federico Luis | Para Los Contrincantes |
| Un Certain Regard Award | Mrs Sandra Wollner | Everytime |
| Jury Prize – Un Certain Regard | Mr Abinash Bikram Shah | Les Éléphants dans la Brume |
| Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize | Mr Louis Clichy | Le Corset |
| Best Actor – Un Certain Regard | Mr Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset | Congo Boy |
| Best Actresses – Un Certain Regard | Ladies Marina De Tavira, Daniela Marín Navarro, Mariangel Villegas | Siempre Soy Tu Animal Materno |
| Caméra d’or | Mrs Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo | Ben’imana |
Mrs Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo
Technical Awards and Emerging Cinema Talent Honored
The Superior Technical Commission also highlighted the essential behind-the-scenes work that is fundamental to filmmaking. The CST Award for Best Technician was presented to Nicolas Rumpl, editor of Notre Salut, in recognition of the subtlety and precision of his editing.
The CST Award for Best Young Technician went to Esther Mysius for her production design work on Histoires de la nuit by Léa Mysius.
With this eclectic, politically engaged and deeply human-focused lineup of winners, the Festival de Cannes 2026 once again confirms its central role in the global film landscape. This edition was marked by powerful works, international talent, and a cinema more alive than ever.
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