What is the best film at Cannes 2026?

The 2026 Cannes competition brought together some of the most celebrated directors working today, from returning masters like Almodóvar and Kore-eda to exciting new voices. Which of this year's official selection films deserves the top spot?

1

Fjord

Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or winner starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, exploring isolation and human connection.

2

Paper Tiger

James Gray's Cannes 2026 competition entry starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller.

3

Hope

Na Hong-Jin's genre-bending Cannes 2026 competition film from the South Korean master behind The Wailing.

4

Coward

Lukas Dhont's Cannes 2026 competition entry, the Belgian filmmaker following up his 2022 Grand Prix winner Close.

5

Fatherland

Pawel Pawlikowski's 2026 Cannes competition film from the director of Ida and Cold War.

6

Sheep in the Box

Hirokazu Kore-eda's Cannes 2026 competition entry from the Japanese master director of Shoplifters and Monster.

7

Histoires Parallèles

Asghar Farhadi's 2026 Cannes competition film from the Iranian director of A Separation and The Salesman.

8

Amarga Navidad

Pedro Almodóvar's 2026 Cannes competition entry from the celebrated Spanish auteur.

9

Gentle Monster

Marie Kreutzer's 2026 Cannes competition film from the Austrian director who captivated audiences with Corsage.

10

El Ser Querido

Rodrigo Sorogoyen's 2026 Cannes competition entry from the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker.

11

L'Inconnue

Arthur Harari's 2026 Cannes competition film.