Welcome to 2026! As we wave goodbye to 2025, the team at Deadline is gearing up for another exciting year of global film festivals. Before we dive into the bustling festival scene later this month, we’ve compiled our yearly (though not exhaustive) roundup of U.S. and international films that are likely contenders for festival spots. Our focus remains on films that are either in production or post-production and have not been officially selected for any festivals yet.
The buzz around which major studio films will appear at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Venice is always high. Notably, films such as Steven Spielberg’s alien-themed Disclosure Day releasing on June 12, and the Disney/Pixar sequel Toy Story 5 releasing on June 19, are not expected to premiere at Cannes. Similarly, Christopher Nolan’s much-anticipated The Odyssey set for a July 17 release, will likely forego the festival circuit, continuing Nolan’s trend of standalone blockbuster releases. The logistics and costs of bringing star-studded casts to the Riviera also play a part in these decisions. While Cannes might seem lacking in major studio releases, festival director Thierry Frémaux is known for pulling off surprises, so we’ll keep an eye on how things unfold. Our list below includes several high-profile films still in contention.
As we look towards the autumn festivals, prospects include Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Digger starring Tom Cruise, possibly premiering in Venice, and Dune: Part Three which is set for a December 18 release and appears out of the festival running. There’s uncertainty around Netflix’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth, directed by David Fincher, which is still in production and aiming for a potential Venice showing. Netflix’s presence is strong at the Lido, and Fincher has a history of launching films at fall festivals. Another film to watch is Tom Ford’s Cry To Heaven, which continues filming into early spring and lacks a studio partner, making a 2026 release unlikely.
Below is our detailed list of films to look out for.
Paper Tiger
Directed by James Gray and featuring Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson, Paper Tiger is a New York crime drama about two brothers entangled with the Russian mafia. The film is highly anticipated at Cannes, where Gray has previously debuted five of his films. Producer Rodrigo Teixeira recently described it as Gray’s finest work to date.
The Entertainment System is Down
Ruben Östlund’s latest project features a star-studded cast and follows passengers on a long-haul flight from England to Australia who must entertain themselves after the onboard system fails. This dark satire is keenly awaited, especially given Östlund’s track record at Cannes and his previous Oscar nominations.
A Girl’s Story
Judith Godrèche directs this adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel, with a cast including Valérie Dréville and Anna Mouglalis. The film explores pivotal memories triggered during a book-signing event, reflecting on the summer of 1958. Godrèche, a regular at Cannes, is expected to make a strong directorial debut following her impactful short film in 2023.
1949
Oscar-winner Paweł Pawlikowski returns with this Cold War drama, featuring Hanns Zischler and Sandra Hüller. Based on Colm Tóibín’s novel The Magician, it follows a road trip across Germany in the titular year. Pawlikowski’s last festival appearance was with Cold War at Cannes in 2018, where it received several Oscar nods.
Out of This World
Albert Serra’s geopolitical drama set against the backdrop of the Ukrainian war involves an American delegation in Russia. The film includes performances by Riley Keough and F. Murray Abraham. Serra is known for his regular appearances at Cannes and San Sebastian.
The Adventures Of Cliff Booth
This Netflix continuation of Brad Pitt’s character from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, directed by David Fincher and scripted by Quentin Tarantino, features a stellar cast including Yahya Abdul-Mateen and Elizabeth Debicki. Its potential inclusion in fall festivals is highly anticipated.
Digger
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, this new Warner Bros and Legendary film is set for an October 2, 2026 release. Described as a comedy of catastrophic proportions, it’s likely to premiere at fall festivals, following the path of Joker which debuted in Venice in 2019.
The Unknown
French director Arthur Harari, known for his acclaimed Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle, returns with a graphic novel adaptation featuring Léa Seydoux. The fantasy drama explores identity and transformation, making it a likely candidate for festival selection.
Gentle Monster
Marie Kreutzer’s drama stars Léa Seydoux as a renowned pianist who faces life-altering revelations after moving to the countryside. This film follows Kreutzer’s successful historical drama Corsage, which gained significant attention at festivals.
Misty Green (working title)
Chris Rock directs and stars in this feature about actress Misty Green, played by Rosalind Eleazar, who attempts to revive her career despite past controversies. The film, exploring themes of redemption and artistic integrity, also stars Adam Driver and Daniel Kaluuya.
Parallel Tales
Asghar Farhadi’s latest French-language drama features a high-profile ensemble including Isabelle Huppert and Vincent Cassel. With the plot details under wraps, this film continues Farhadi’s trend of critically acclaimed dramas that confront social issues.
Fjord
Cristian Mungiu’s English-language debut stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve in a drama about a couple facing cultural and personal conflicts in a Norwegian fjord village. Mungiu, a regular at Cannes, aims for another strong showing with this film.
It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All
Tilda Cobham-Hervey directs and stars in this introspective drama about a young artist finding unexpected connections in a care home. The film, highlighting themes of compassion and understanding, follows Cobham-Hervey’s successful short film debut.
At The Sea & Place To Be
Kornél Mundruczó directs two films set for a high-profile 2026. At The Sea stars Amy Adams in a drama about seeking refuge after a personal crisis, while Place to Be features Ellen Burstyn in a story of rediscovery and connection.
A Family
Dutch director Mees Peijnenburg presents a poignant drama about siblings navigating their parents’ divorce. The film, exploring themes of loyalty and love, hopes to resonate with audiences at international film festivals.
Wolfram
Warwick Thornton’s period Western follows three Aboriginal children escaping brutal conditions in the 1930s. Thornton, a celebrated Indigenous filmmaker, brings another powerful narrative to the festival circuit.
Love Is Not the Answer
Michael Cera directs this absurdist comedy exploring themes of loneliness and connection. The cast includes Pamela Anderson and Steve Coogan, adding star power to this intriguing project.
Deli Love
Adinah Dancyger’s feature debut explores an unlikely bond between a Korean deli owner and a Polish-Jewish artist in 1980s New York. Drawing on her own heritage, Dancyger weaves a narrative of cultural intersection and enduring friendship.
Love Lessons
Martin Provost directs this drama starring Fabrice Luchini as a retired literature teacher rediscovering life’s possibilities. The film, also featuring Chiara Mastroianni, delves into themes of personal growth and reinvention.
Hot Spot
Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s sci-fi thriller stars Noomi Rapace as a private investigator unraveling a digital conspiracy. This film, combining elements of mystery and technology, is likely to attract attention on the festival circuit.
A Long Winter
Andrew Haigh directs this family drama set against a harsh winter landscape, featuring a cast that includes Caitriona Balfe and Kit Connor. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novella, the film explores themes of absence and regret.
Les Misérables
Fred Cavayé’s action-driven adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic stars Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean. This French-language film promises a fresh take on the well-known story of struggle and redemption.
The Beloved
Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen explores familial ties and artistic collaboration in this drama starring Javier Bardem. The film delves into the complex relationship between a father and daughter within the film industry.
Four Seasons in Java
Kamila Andini’s sixth feature focuses on a woman’s return to her community after a long imprisonment. This Indonesian drama explores themes of alienation and reconciliation, continuing Andini’s exploration of personal and societal conflicts.
Jia Zhangke Untitled Project
Chinese director Jia Zhangke embarks on a unique road movie exploring various landscapes and stories across China. Known for his reflective and critical approach to modern Chinese society, Jia’s latest project is highly anticipated.
Rosebush Pruning
Karim Aïnouz directs this remake of Marco Bellocchio’s 1965 film, exploring dark family dynamics. The film, featuring Callum Turner and Riley Keough, promises a deep dive into psychological and familial complexities.
La Bola Negra
Spanish directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as Los Javos, present a multi-era narrative based on an unfinished play by Federico García Lorca. The film, starring Penélope Cruz and Lola Dueñas, weaves together stories of love, betrayal, and artistic expression.
A Day In The Life Of Jo: Chapter Phaedra
Greek director Jacqueline Lentzou’s second feature centers on the aftermath of a teenager’s unexpected death in Athens. The film explores themes of grief and resilience, continuing Lentzou’s exploration of complex emotional landscapes.
Fleur
French animator Rémi Chayé presents his third feature, an animated exploration of early 20th-century Paris through the eyes of a young girl seeking freedom from her oppressive surroundings. The film combines historical context with a personal journey of discovery and rebellion.
Yellow Letters
Director Ilker Çatak wraps up his latest feature, a secretive project following the intertwined lives of a married actress and a university professor in Ankara. The film delves into themes of career challenges and personal upheavals, promising a reflective and engaging narrative.
Ink
Danny Boyle explores the transformative years of Rupert Murdoch’s ownership of The Sun newspaper. The film, featuring Guy Pearce as Murdoch, delves into the ambitious and controversial strategies that reshaped the British media landscape.
Bitter Christmas
Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar returns with a poignant drama about a woman facing abandonment during a difficult holiday season. The film reunites Almodóvar with actors Milena Smit and Rossy de Palma, promising another deeply emotional and visually striking narrative.
Coward
Belgian director Lukas Dhont presents a World War I drama exploring the psychological and emotional struggles of soldiers in the trenches. The film, set for a May 2026 release, is a strong candidate for a Cannes debut, continuing Dhont’s history of impactful festival presentations.
De Gaulle: Tilting Iron & De Gaulle: The Sovereign Edge
Director Antonin Baudry revisits key moments of World War II through the perspective of Gen. Charles de Gaulle. The two-part film, featuring Simon Abkarian as de Gaulle, combines historical insight with dramatic storytelling, making it a potential highlight at Cannes.
All of a Sudden
Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi presents a cross-cultural drama set in Paris and Kyoto, exploring the deep connections between a Japanese theater director and a French nursing home director. The film, inspired by real-life letters, offers a poignant look at themes of illness, empathy, and artistic expression.
It Will Happen Tonight
Italian director Nanni Moretti crafts a romance set across various European cities, based on a short story by Israeli author Eshkol Nevo. The film, featuring Louis Gar
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