Cannes Critics’ Week Announces 2026 Lineup with Animated Feature In Waves as Opener
The 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week, running May 13 to 21, will open with the animated film In Waves directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen. The lineup includes seven competition features and four special screenings from directors in Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East. Selected from over 1,000 submissions, the films address themes of love, war, identity, and societal pressures.
Vaahedi / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)The 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week announced its 2026 lineup. This year’s selection features 11 feature films and 13 short films, chosen from 1,050 features and 2,400 shorts.
In Waves, directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, will open the festival. The animated feature adapts AJ Dungo’s graphic novel and marks the first animated film to open Critics’ Week. It is produced by Silex Films, with co-productions from Charades, Anonymous Content, and Panique.
The story of In Waves follows a skateboarder and a surfer in California whose relationship faces challenges from illness. The English-language version features voices from Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu. The French version includes voices from Lyna Khoudri, Rio Vega, Paul Kirscher, and Biran Ba.
Critics’ Week artistic director Ava Cahen described In Waves as a luminous melodrama that unfolds under the California sky.
Story Timeline
4 events- April 13, 2026
Cannes Critics’ Week announces 2026 lineup with In Waves as opener.
3 sourcesThe Hollywood Reporter · Variety · Deadline - May 13-21, 2026
65th Cannes Critics’ Week runs parallel to main festival with selected films.
3 sourcesThe Hollywood Reporter · Variety · Deadline - 2021
Blerta Basholli wins Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Hive.
2 sourcesThe Hollywood Reporter · Variety - 2025
Alexander Murphy releases documentary Goodbye Sisters.
1 sourceThe Hollywood Reporter
Potential Impact
- 01
Emerging directors gain international exposure at Cannes.
- 02
Awards boost careers of first- and second-time filmmakers.
- 03
Lineup highlights underrepresented regions like Yemen and Kosovo.
- 04
Animated films receive increased visibility in live-action dominated festival.
- 05
Closing film Adieu Monde Cruel draws attention to youth mental health themes.
- 06
Documentaries on marginalized communities attract niche audiences.
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