The Tamesis
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the buzz went far beyond the big screen.
In addition to the 22 films in this competition, which runs from May 12 to 23, industries such as jewelry, health and technology are also expanding their presence on the Croisette. As for fashion, luxury brands continue to play to their strengths with red carpet looks and long-term partnerships.
While this year’s Cannes Film Festival was decidedly more subdued ahead of next year’s 80th anniversary edition, Hollywood’s film showing was lighter than usual, giving directors and international films a good showing. Although there were still many Hollywood stars in attendance. One of this year’s jury members, Demi Moore, wore standout looks from Gucci, Jacquemus and Matières Fécales, all curated by her stylist Brad Goreski. “It’s Demi’s day,” said one Cannes goer.
Elsewhere, food and drink brands have taken action. Ice cream brand Magnum hosted a fashion show with celebrity stylist Law Roach, who chose up-and-coming brands like Weinsanto to create dessert-inspired looks, while Nespresso hosted a party at the brand’s beachside event with its new global ambassador Dua Lipa.
As Laetitia Toupet, global president of L’Oréal Paris, said: “The audience influence and visibility of the Cannes Film Festival is no less than that of major sporting events such as the Super Bowl or the Olympics.”
Here are the main takeaways from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Fashion industry focuses on existing partnerships
Post-pandemic, fashion brands have begun doubling down on their presence in Cannes, capitalizing on its cultural cachet and global visibility. But as growth in the luxury industry slows, studios are focusing on existing film partnerships rather than launching entirely new initiatives.
This year, Kering continues to reaffirm its commitment to cinema through its Women in Motion initiative. Launched in 2015, the program highlights women’s contributions to the film industry to help promote gender equality. Kering is moving its speaking and cocktail events this year from Le Majestic to the Carlton Hotel, one of Cannes’ most iconic hotels. François-Henri Pinault, chairman of the group, presented the 2026 Women of Movement Award to actress Julianne Moore at a dinner on Sunday evening, which was also attended by Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering Group. This is De Meo’s first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival since taking over the role.
While Saint Laurent Productions, the film production arm of Kering’s Saint Laurent, isn’t showing a film at Cannes this year, it co-produced the Claire Denis film fence. This follows the huge success of Jacques Audiard emilia perez 2024.
