Locarno Film Festival Celebrates Cinematic Excellence with 2026 Awards

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival unfolded in Switzerland over the weekend, showcasing a rich tapestry of global cinema and announcing its prestigious award winners for 2026.

Highlighting the international competition, the coveted Pardo d’Oro, or Golden Leopard, went to Romanian filmmaker Florin Șerban for his gripping father-son drama, Nu E Locul Tau Aici (You Don’t Belong Here). The narrative explores the turbulent life of a father raising his teenage son, Ioan, after the death of his wife, unaware that Ioan is involved in a gang that vandalizes cars at night. The film's powerful storytelling and unique vision earned it praise from the jury, which cited its exceptional cinematic language.

Hong Sangsoo was recognized as the best director, receiving the Pardo for Best Direction for his film Nun Dul Dega Eomne (Nowhere to Lay My Eyes). Meanwhile, renowned actress Monica Bellucci garnered accolades for her performance in Ketticè, directed by Giovanni Tortorici.

In the Filmmakers of the Present Competition, Alessandra Sanguinetti's La Ilusión De Un Verano Sin Fin (The Illusion of an Everlasting Summer) also claimed the Golden Leopard, further showcasing the festival's commitment to contemporary storytelling. Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro remarked on the awards, emphasizing their relevance to the industry's evolving landscape.

The audience award, Prix du Public UBS, was given to Petra Volpe’s prison drama, Frank & Louis, signaling its strong reception among festival-goers.

On the industry front, Locarno Pro achieved a significant milestone, recording over 2,140 registrations—a 10% increase from the previous year. Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue within the industry, noting the essential conversations about the future of film and the support for emerging talent.

The festival concluded with a vibrant closing night in Locarno’s Piazza Grande, featuring Marc Fitoussi’s Ni vue, ni connue (All About Corinne) as the final film, starring an impressive cast that included Isabelle Huppert and Diane Kruger.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com