Major Studios Skip 2026 Cannes as $1 Million Premieres Face Critical Risk

4 articles · Updated · Variety · May 16

Hollywood’s biggest studios largely sat out the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, shelving hoped-for premieres such as Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”
More than $1 million in travel, lodging, styling and support costs for a major studio launch have become harder to justify as companies cut budgets and prioritize opening-weekend spending.
Studios also fear Cannes’ harsh critical reception can damage commercial prospects; executives cited “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Solo” as films hurt by weak festival reviews.
Neon filled part of the vacuum with nine films at Cannes, extending a run tied to six straight Palme d’Or winners, though some publicists and awards strategists complained the festival now feels dominated by the indie distributor.
Thierry Frémaux, who spent 25 years courting Hollywood after “Moulin Rouge!” helped cement Cannes’ studio appeal in 2001, said he hopes the majors return, with Netflix seen as one possible future comeback.

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