Cannes 2026 to open with French period film ‘La Vénus électrique’

The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will open on May 12 with the premiere of “La Vénus électrique”, a 1920s-set French period comedy by Pierre Salvadori.

In line with festival rules, the film—Salvadori’s 11th feature—will be released in cinemas across France on the same day as its opening-night screening.

“Cannes celebrates everything I love about cinema,” Salvadori said. “Direction, boldness, freedom, and filmmakers. Cannes discovers them, supports them, and celebrates them. In its own way, my film embodies all the faith and love I have for my craft.”

Set in Paris during the Roaring Twenties, the film draws on the traditions of classic Hollywood comedy, blending rapid pacing with mistaken identities and sharply constructed narrative turns. The festival described Salvadori as an admirer of filmmakers such as Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder and Blake Edwards.

The cast includes Pio Marmaï, Anaïs Demoustier and Gilles Lellouche, alongside Vimala Pons and Gustave Kervern. The film is produced by Philippe Martin under Les Films Pelléas, the company behind “Anatomy of a Fall”.

The opening ceremony will be hosted by French actor Eye Haïdara and broadcast live on France Télévisions and Brut. The festival will also honour Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson with honorary Palme d’Or awards.

This year’s jury will be chaired by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, succeeding Juliette Binoche.

The full lineup, curated by Thierry Frémaux, is set to be announced on April 9.