Cannes Adds Paper Tiger

Cannes added 16 films to its 2026 official lineup on April 22, and James Gray’s “Paper Tiger” is now in the Palme d’Or competition. (festival-cannes.com) The late additions spread across Competition, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Premiere and Special Screenings, expanding the 79th edition after Thierry Frémaux unveiled the first slate on April 9. (festival-cannes.com, festival-cannes.com) “Paper Tiger” stars Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller, and Screen Daily reported that its addition brings the main competition to 22 titles. (variety.com, screendaily.com) Variety reported that Neon bought North American rights to “Paper Tiger” before the Cannes screening, giving the distributor another high-profile title in this year’s festival market. (variety.com) Cannes often leaves room for late additions, and the official site said on April 9 that the 2026 selection list would be updated. Gray’s film had been widely expected after Frémaux held back several slots at the first announcement. (festival-cannes.com, indiewire.com) The rest of Wednesday’s additions widened several sections at once. IndieWire and TheWrap reported that new titles included Judith Godrèche’s “A Girl’s Story,” Zachary Wigon’s “Victorian Psycho,” Diego Luna’s “Ashes,” and other films placed outside the main competition. (indiewire.com, thewrap.com) For Gray, the Cannes return extends a long relationship with the festival. Screen Daily noted that his most recent Cannes title was “Armageddon Time” in 2022, and “Paper Tiger” puts him back in the race for the Palme d’Or. (screendaily.com) The 2026 Cannes lineup is now closer to complete, with “Paper Tiger” moving from expectation to official competition entry and giving Neon a new North American release to carry beyond the Croisette. (festival-cannes.com, variety.com)