Cannes’ 79th edition is serving up a notable twist: two French superstars are booked for more than one film in the main lineup. Léa Seydoux and Catherine Deneuve are both slated to appear in multiple titles in the competition.
In a formal reveal in Paris, festival director Thierry Frémaux and festival president Iris Knobloch outlined the official selection, including the main program, the Un Certain Regard sidebar, and other strands of the program.
Duos in the spotlight
Deneuve appears in Parallel Tales, Asghar Farhadi’s first feature since A Hero. The ensemble also features Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel, and Pierre Niney, and the film is positioned for a Cannes premiere in the festival’s lineup.
Seydoux’s double bill
Seydoux stars in Gentle Monster from Marie Kreutzer (Corsage). The drama follows two women with intertwined lives: Lucy, a pianist who steps back from her career to support her husband and child, and Elsa, a dedicated investigator juggling work with caregiving for her father.
She also headlines The Unknown, Arthur Harari’s new film co‑written with Justine Triet and adapted from Harari’s graphic novel. The story follows a man who wakes up in the body of the woman he slept with after a one‑night stand. Neon has already secured North American rights, and The Unknown will contend in competition.
Other Cannes news
Rounding out the festival honors, Peter Jackson will receive an honorary Palme d’Or, with Barbra Streisand also celebrated for her career across cinema and music.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival runs May 12–23, 2026.
Further reading:
- Cannes 2026
- Cannes Film Festival
- Catherine Deneuve
- Léa Seydoux
Source: Original article
