The 2023 Cannes Film Festival announcements keep coming, and this is a pretty big one! It was reported earlier today that Pixar’s upcoming animated film “Elemental” will have its world premiere at the 76th annual film festival in the Closing Night slot on May 27th. The film is set to be released in theaters in the U.S. on June 16th.
Pixar has attended the Cannes Film Festival before with “Up,” “Inside Out,” and “Soul” (all directed by Pete Docter), but this will be director Peter Cohn’s (“The Good Dinosaur” first time at the festival. The film will play out of competition. We previously posted a first look at the film, which you can check out here.
Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter, said this year’s return to Cannes is particularly special for the studio. “As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies, and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it’s a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” said Docter. “Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, “Elemental” is so funny, full of heart, and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen, and I love that it’ll make its world premiere at Cannes.”
Docter, Sohn, and producer Denise Ream will join the film’s voice cast members at the event. Cannes has hosted the international competition since 1946. “For many years, the Cannes Film Festival has welcomed animated films from around the world,” said Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, Cannes Film Festival. “Pixar Animation Studios, with “Up”—directed by Pete Docter—made Cannes history by opening the 62nd edition of the Festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event! This is another great opportunity to present the amazing “Elemental” on the closing of this 76th Cannes Film Festival and to think about our lives in such a powerful way.”
The official lineup for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival can be read here, along with other announcements for Cannes Critics’ Week and Directors Fortnight. The festival will run from May 16th-27th.
Which films are you looking forward to the most at this year’s Cannes Film Festival? Are you excited to see “Elemental?” Are you planning to attend the festival this year? Please let us know in the comments section below or on our Twitter account.
