Cannes Film Festival 2026 opens with AI experiments and global premieres
moviesMay 12, 202624809
The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened May 12 and runs through May 23, showcasing about 200 films from nearly 150 countries. The opening spotlighted artificial intelligence experiments, including an AI 'John Lennon' project, and actress Demi Moore urged the industry to "work with" AI at a press appearance. The program features noticeably fewer big U.S. studio premieres and instead leans on a stacked international lineup of auteurs and world premieres. How Cannes handles AI and its international slate will shape industry conversations about technology, creative rights, and global distribution this year.
