Sorogoyen's L’être aimé gains Palme buzz
- French outlet Le Parisien reported that Rodrigo Sorogoyen's film L’être aimé, starring Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo, looks like a Palme d'Or standout. - Le Parisien's coverage singled out Bardem and Luengo's performances and argued L’être aimé is already a Palme-level contender at Cannes in its May 16 coverage. - The article ran during the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2026, amid other Palme speculation. (leparisien.fr)
1/ Cannes Film Festival is underway, and early buzz is building around a Spanish drama as a top Palme d'Or contender. Rodrigo Sorogoyen's *L’être aimé* (The Loved One), starring Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo, premiered on May 16, 2026, drawing strong praise from critics. French daily Le Parisien declared it "already a Palme d'Or" in coverage published that day, spotlighting the leads' performances amid the festival's opening days. 2/ What’s the film about? *L’être aimé* follows a couple whose seemingly perfect marriage unravels after one spouse reveals a long-hidden secret. Directed by Sorogoyen, known for taut thrillers like *The Realm* (2018), the story blends domestic drama with psychological tension. Bardem plays the husband, Luengo his wife—both delivering what Le Parisien called "magnetic" turns that anchor the film's emotional core. 3/ Why the Palme d'Or hype so early? Le Parisien's reviewer, writing from Cannes, praised the film's "profound humanity" and Sorogoyen's direction as Palme-caliber right after its competition slot screening. The Palme d'Or, awarded since 1955, goes to the festival's best feature—past winners include *Parasite* (2019) and *Anatomy of a Fall* (2023). Early endorsements like this often signal frontrunner status, as buzz builds through jury deliberations. 4/ Who are the key players? Javier Bardem, an Oscar winner for *No Country for Old Men* (2007), brings gravitas to the lead—Le Parisien noted his "raw vulnerability" as a standout. Victoria Luengo, Sorogoyen's real-life partner, co-wrote the screenplay and stars opposite him; their chemistry reportedly elevates the intimate story. Sorogoyen, a Goya Award winner, helms his third Cannes entry after *Mother* (2021) in Un Certain Regard. 5/ Cannes 2026 context The 79th festival runs May 13-24, 2026, in Cannes, France, with 21 films in main competition. *L’être aimé* screens in this slot, competing against titles like a new Yorgos Lanthimos picture and a French drama by Catherine Corsini. Jury president Greta Gerwig leads the panel awarding the Palme on May 24. Early Le Parisien buzz positions it ahead of pack leaders speculated in outlets like Screen Daily. 6/ Sorogoyen’s track record fueling expectations The director's *Antidisturbios* (2020) won best film at San Sebastián; *Mother* took Un Certain Regard at Cannes. Le Parisien ties *L’être aimé* to his signature style: "explosive realism" in personal crises. Producers include Fernando Bovaira (*The Others*)—a vote of confidence from Spain's top indie banner. 7/ **What’s next for *L’être aimé*?** The film wraps its Cannes run with additional screenings through May 20. Palme winner announced May 24 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. If it takes the top prize, expect wide international distribution—Bardem's draw could push U.S./global releases by fall 2026. Track updates via festival site or Le Parisien's live Cannes coverage.
