Cannes Critics’ Week Announces 2026 Lineup with Animated Feature In Waves as Opener

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.