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Cannes Film Festival
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Cannes Film Festival

The Festival de Cannes, commonly known as the Cannes Film Festival, is the world's most prestigious film event. Founded in 1946, it takes place annually in Cannes, France, and serves as the apex of global cinema culture.

The festival's highest honor, the Palme d'Or, represents the pinnacle of filmmaking achievement. Past winners include Parasite (2019), Pulp Fiction (1994), Taxi Driver (1976), and countless other defining works. Major awards also include the Grand Prix, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and acting prizes.

Korean cinema has thrived at Cannes. Bong Joon-ho became the first Korean Palme d'Or winner with Parasite. Park Chan-wook won the Grand Prix for Oldboy (2004), the Jury Prize for Thirst (2009), and Best Director for Decision to Leave (2022). In 2026, Park was named jury president, becoming the first Korean and second Asian to hold the position.

The 79th edition runs from May 12 to 23, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals.

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Fans Also Ask

When is the Cannes Film Festival held?
The Cannes Film Festival is held annually in May over approximately 12 days at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres on the French Riviera. The 79th edition runs from May 12 to 23, 2026, with South Korean director Park Chan-wook serving as jury president, becoming the first Korean and second Asian filmmaker to hold the role.
What is the Palme d'Or at Cannes?
The Palme d'Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, given to the best film in the Official Competition. Past recipients include Parasite (2019) by Bong Joon-ho, the first Korean film to win, and Titane (2021), Anatomy of a Fall (2023), and All We Imagine as Light (2024).
Has a Korean film won at Cannes?
Yes. Bong Joon-ho's Parasite won the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, the first Korean film to win the top prize. Park Chan-wook won Best Director at Cannes 2022 for Decision to Leave, and serves as jury president for the 2026 edition. Korean cinema has become one of the most recognized forces at the festival.
Who is Park Chan-wook and why is he Cannes 2026 jury president?
Park Chan-wook is one of South Korea's most celebrated directors, known for Oldboy (2004 Grand Prix), Thirst (2009 Jury Prize), and Decision to Leave (2022 Best Director). He serves as jury president of the 79th Cannes Film Festival (May 12-23, 2026), the first Korean and second Asian to hold the position, after Wong Kar-wai in 2006.
What is Park Chan-wook's latest film?
Park Chan-wook's most recent film is No Other Choice (2025), a dark satirical thriller adapted from Donald E. Westlake's novel The Ax, starring Lee Byung-hun. The film premiered at Venice 2025, received three Golden Globe nominations, and was released in France in February 2026. It depicts unemployment and desperation in capitalist South Korea.

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