France Cannes 2026

A view of the old town prior to the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 11, 2026.

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Peter Jackson receives honorary Palme D’Or as Cannes flaunts star power despite Hollywood's retreat

Peter Jackson receives honorary Palme D’Or as Cannes flaunts star power despite Hollywood's retreat

The 79th Cannes Film Festival is underway with politics, artificial intelligence and the shifting priorities of Hollywood taking center stage at the global film gathering. The festival paid tribute to Peter Jackson in the opening ceremony, giving the “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker an honorary Palme d'Or. Jane Fonda and Gong Li officially opened the festival, with Fonda declaring: “Cinema has always been an act of resistance.” It was a fitting observation for a film festival where politics has taken center stage. The festival hands out the awards on May 23.