Palm Springs International Film Festival Announces 37th Edition Lineup With 168 Films From 72 Countries

Key Points

• The 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival runs January 2–12, 2026.
• Opening film: Calle Malaga by Maryam Touzani; Closing film: Glenrothan starring Brian Cox.
• Lineup includes 168 films from 72 countries, with 53 premieres and 44 Oscar contenders for Best International Feature.
• New initiatives include Gateway Films curated by Diane Kruger and Leonard Maltin, plus panels on Oscar hopefuls.
• Honorees at the Film Awards Ceremony (Jan. 3) include Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Festival Overview

The Palm Springs International Film Festival will celebrate its 37th edition from January 2 to 12, 2026, showcasing a diverse lineup of films from around the globe. Known for spotlighting international cinema and awards-season contenders, the festival continues to serve as a major platform for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Opening and Closing Films

The festival opens with Maryam Touzani’s Calle Malaga, starring Carmen Maura as an elderly woman in Tangier fighting to keep her home amid family pressures. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and generational conflict.

Closing night will feature Glenrothan, a family drama starring Brian Cox and Alan Cumming as estranged brothers navigating traditions tied to their family’s whiskey distillery in Scotland.

Highlighted Films and Talent

This year’s program features a wide range of high-profile titles and talent:

• King Hamlet – Directed by Elvira Lind, starring Oscar Isaac.
• Kim Novak’s Vertigo – Special appearance by Kim Novak with director Alexandre O. Philippe.
• The Housemaid – Directed by Paul Feig.
• She Dances – Starring Audrey Zahn and Steve Zahn, directed by Rick Gomez.
• Elvis, Rocky & Me – Featuring songwriter Carol Connors.
• Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Directed by Gore Verbinski.
• It Would Be Night in Caracas – Starring Edgar Ramirez.
• Steal This Story, Please! – With journalist Amy Goodman.
• Palestine 36 – Directed by Annemarie Jacir.
• The Last Viking – Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen.

New Initiatives and Program Highlights

The festival introduces Gateway Films, a curated series led by Diane Kruger and Leonard Maltin, spotlighting films that bridge cultures and audiences.

An in-depth panel moderated by The Hollywood Reporter will focus on Oscar contenders for Best International Feature, offering industry insights.

Additional programming includes:

• After Dark – A showcase of genre films.
• American Indies – Highlighting emerging U.S. filmmakers.

Film Awards Ceremony

On January 3, Hollywood stars will gather for the festival’s prestigious Film Awards Ceremony. Honorees include Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others, underscoring the festival’s role as a key stop in awards season.

Artistic Director’s Statement

Festival artistic director Lili Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming edition: “This year’s selections reflect the vibrant energy of world cinema today,” she said, emphasizing the festival’s mission to unite audiences and filmmakers through diverse storytelling.

What Happens Next

With its expansive lineup and star-studded awards ceremony, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is poised to set the tone for the 2026 awards season. Audiences can expect a celebration of global cinema, fresh premieres, and thought-provoking discussions that highlight the evolving landscape of film.