We all knew it was coming. Thierry Frémaux said as much when the lineup for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival was announced earlier this month. But now, after weeks of anticipation, James Gray’s (“The Lost City of Z” & “Ad Astra“) latest feature film, “Paper Tiger,” has officially been added to the Palme d’Or competition section at the Cannes Film Festival. The crime thriller, led by Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller, is set to make its world premiere in competition, with Neon acquiring North American distribution rights, according to Variety.
“Paper Tiger” centers on two brothers chasing the promise of the American dream, only to find themselves ensnared in a scheme that proves far more dangerous than expected. As they descend into a world marked by corruption and escalating violence, their lives, and those of their family, come under threat from the Russian “Mafiya.” What begins as an unbreakable bond between them starts to unravel, with betrayal becoming an increasingly real possibility.
Gray has had a long history with Cannes, having premiered multiple films on the Croisette, including “Armageddon Time,” “The Immigrant,” “Two Lovers,” “We Own the Night,” and “The Yards.” He also served on the festival jury in 2009 under the presidency of Isabelle Huppert. Widely respected in France, Gray has long been considered a fixture of the festival.
Although the film was widely expected to be included when Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux announced the official selection on April 9th, it was initially absent. Frémaux later expressed confidence that it would be added, calling it “a wonderful film, a very James Gray film, very indie,” while noting that lingering contractual matters had delayed its confirmation. Gray now stands as one of two American filmmakers competing this year, alongside Ira Sachs with “The Man I Love,” starring Rami Malek. The film also marks a reunion between Johansson and Driver, who previously starred together in 2019’s “Marriage Story,” earning both actors Academy Award nominations.
With the addition of “Paper Tiger,” Neon further strengthens its overwhelming presence heading into this year’s Cannes, with six potential Palme d’Or contenders, including “The Unknown,” “Fjord,” “All of a Sudden,” “Sheep in the Box,” and “Hope.” The company is currently on an unbelievable streak having won the last six Palme d’Or awards.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12th until May 23rd. The full lineup can be read here. Cody Dericks, Nadia Dalimonte and I will be attending in-person this year from Next Best Picture.
Are you excited for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival? Are you planning to attend the festival this year? What do you think of this announcement? Please let us know in the comments section below or on our X account.
