Cinéma de la Plage Cannes 2026: full program featuring Top Gun, Ken Loach and restored classics

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 brings back one of its most beloved public events: the Cinéma de la Plage, the free nightly screening series held on Macé Beach along the Croisette, opposite the Hôtel Majestic. From May 13 to May 23, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., Cannes’ shoreline will transform into an open-air cinema under the stars, offering eleven evenings dedicated to major works of international cinema.

The initiative remains a cornerstone of the Cannes Film Festival, presenting a carefully curated selection of restored classics, landmark anniversaries, world premieres and special guest appearances.

Cinéma de la Plage Cannes 2026: a program between classics and 4K restorations

The 2026 edition stands out for its rich and diverse programming, spanning multiple eras, genres and cinematic traditions.

The series opens on May 13 with “Top Gun” by Tony Scott, the 1986 cult film starring Tom Cruise, celebrating its 40th anniversary with representatives from Paramount Pictures and the Motion Picture Association.

On May 14, the spotlight turns to Japanese cinema with the 4K restored thriller Shinkansen Daibakuha (The Bullet Train) by Junya Sato, restored by Toei Company.

May 15 marks one of the festival highlights: the world premiere of Les Caprices de L’Enfant Roi by Michel Leclerc, featuring an international cast and a special screening also held at the Agnès Varda Theatre.

The program continues with major titles including:

• Un homme et une femme by Claude Lelouch (60th anniversary 4K restoration)

• All the President’s Men by Alan J. Pakula, restored by Park Circus
• Land and Freedom by Ken Loach, in 4K restoration
• Cría Cuervos by Carlos Saura, restored in 2026
• Signore & Signori by Pietro Germi
• Je hais les acteurs by Gérard Krawczyk
• Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati

Special tributes: Brigitte Bardot and Carlos Saura honored in Cannes

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the tribute to Brigitte Bardot, iconic figure of French cinema, with a screening of Viva Maria! by Louis Malle. For the occasion, Macé Beach will symbolically be renamed “Brigitte Bardot Beach”.

The festival will also honor Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura with a restored screening of Cría Cuervos, accompanied by special guests connected to his work.

A lineup of restorations, premieres and auteur cinema

Cinéma de la Plage 2026 confirms its unique place within the global film festival landscape, combining arthouse cinema, blockbusters, 4K restorations and world premieres.

Highlights also include All the President’s Men, the Watergate political thriller starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, presented in a high-quality restoration.

The final screening on May 23 will feature Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati, one of the masterpieces of French cinema.

Cinéma de la Plage Cannes 2026: free open-air cinema on the Croisette

The Cinéma de la Plage remains one of the most popular and accessible events of the Cannes Film Festival, offering audiences an immersive cinematic experience directly on the beach.

With eleven free screenings, prestigious restorations and international guests, the 2026 edition reinforces Cannes’ status as a global capital of cinema, where film meets the sea and the night sky of the French Riviera.