Barry Hertz, a film editor at The Globe and Mail, has selected three standout movies from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
These recommendations serve as a guide for audiences navigating the vast selection of cinema presented on the French Riviera. Because the festival features a high volume of international premieres, expert curation helps viewers identify the most noteworthy works of the year.
Hertz arrived at his conclusions after watching 25 movies over nine days [2]. His viewing schedule included a significant portion of the official selection, where more than 20 films are competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or [1].
The selection process involved evaluating various genres and directorial styles across the festival's diverse lineup. By narrowing the field to three specific titles, Hertz said he aims to highlight the most essential viewing experiences for the public.
The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the most influential events in the global film industry. The films selected for the main competition often dictate trends in cinema, and determine the trajectory of independent and studio productions for the following year.
Hertz's analysis focuses on the cinematic quality and impact of the works he screened. While the festival presents dozens of options, the editor's top picks represent the pinnacle of this year's offerings.
“Barry Hertz selected three Cannes 2026 movies as his top picks.”
The curation of a limited 'must-see' list by a professional critic during a major festival like Cannes helps distill the overwhelming volume of content into actionable recommendations. This process often influences which films gain broader international distribution and critical momentum heading into the awards season.
