Cannes host shake-up
French actor Eye Haïdara will host both the opening and closing ceremonies at Cannes’ 79th edition — a notable programming choice for the festival. (variety.com) Also: Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day won’t premiere at Cannes and is slated for a June 12 theatrical release instead. (deadline.com)
The 79th Festival de Cannes is scheduled for May 12–23, 2026, and the festival said its Official Selection will be unveiled at a Paris press conference on April 9, 2026. (festival-cannes.com) Eye Haïdara takes the role after Laurent Lafitte served as master of ceremonies for the 78th edition in 2025. (festival-cannes.com) Her appointment continues a recent run of high-profile French actresses serving as festival hosts: Virginie Efira in 2022, Chiara Mastroianni in 2023 and Camille Cottin in 2024. (festival-cannes.com) Park Chan-wook was named president of the 2026 main competition jury, marking the first time a South Korean filmmaker will hold that role at Cannes. (festival-cannes.com) Universal and industry outlets confirmed Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day will not debut at Cannes and is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026. (deadline.com) Disclosure Day’s announced principal cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo, and the film is produced by Amblin and distributed by Universal. (en.wikipedia.org) Cannes runs to May 23, 2026, meaning Disclosure Day’s U.S. release on June 12 lands 20 days after the festival’s closing; festival chief Thierry Frémaux has said premiere decisions rest with filmmakers and studios even as Cannes courts major titles. (festival-cannes.com)
