About Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is the most prestigious film festival in the world, held each May in the Riviera resort town of Cannes in southern France. Over roughly twelve days, the world's leading directors, actors and critics gather at the Palais des Festivals for red-carpet premieres, the official competition and a global film market. Its top prize, the Palme d'Or, is one of cinema's most coveted awards. This live countdown shows exactly how many days remain until the festival opens in your timezone.
Founded in 1946 to rival the Venice Film Festival, Cannes moved to a spring slot in 1951 and has been held in May ever since. The Palme d'Or for best film was introduced in 1955, awarded by an international jury of film-makers and artists. Attendance is largely by invitation, and the festival is famous as much for its glamour — the steps of the Palais, the yachts in the harbour — as for launching auteur cinema and Oscar contenders onto the world stage.
Cannes takes place every year in mid-May, with the precise dates announced by the festival organisers. This countdown targets the next edition and rolls over once the festival is under way. Whether you follow the premieres and the Palme d'Or race or simply love the spectacle of the Croisette, bookmark the live Cannes Film Festival countdown or add it to your own page.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, May 12, 2027next |
| 2028 | Friday, May 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, May 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, May 12, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, May 12, 2031 |
FAQ
When is the Cannes Film Festival?
Cannes is held each May over about twelve days. The countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next festival opens in your timezone.
Why is the Cannes Film Festival important?
It is the world's most prestigious film festival, a launchpad for acclaimed cinema and awards contenders, and the home of the Palme d'Or, one of the highest honours in film.
How is the Cannes Film Festival celebrated?
With red-carpet premieres at the Palais des Festivals, an official competition judged by an international jury, parallel sections and a major film market, all amid Riviera glamour.
What is the Palme d'Or?
The Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) is the festival's top award, given to the best film in the official competition since 1955 and decided by a jury of leading film-makers and artists.