Why Is Hollywood Ghosting Cannes?
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- For the first time since 2017, no major Hollywood studio films will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, with only a few U.S. indie films like Ira Sachs’ "The Man I Love" and James Gray’s "Paper Tiger" competing.
- Major studios are increasingly avoiding Cannes due to high costs, the risk of negative early reviews, and the desire to control film launches more tightly, especially given recent box office disappointments linked to festival debuts.
- Cannes is attempting to maintain relevance with special screenings like the original "The Fast and the Furious" and Pan’s Labyrinth anniversary, but its role as a launchpad for blockbuster films is diminishing.
- The festival’s focus is shifting back to international auteurs and indie films, as studios prioritize safer, more controlled releases timed closer to theatrical openings to maximize marketing impact.
- Despite the retreat of Hollywood studios, Cannes remains influential for indie and international films, which continue to benefit from the festival's prestige and awards buzz.