The 2026 fall film festival season is in full swing, with the VeniceToronto and New York film festivals unveiling their lineups. The Telluride Film Festival remains the wildcard, keeping its program under wraps until the last moment. As the awards season heats up, these festivals are set to showcase some of the most anticipated films of the year.
This season, only one film is expected to grace all four major festivals: Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard starring sisters Kate and Rooney Mara. Notably, none of the five major Hollywood studios—DisneyParamountSonyUniversal and Warner Bros.—are expected to present their non-specialty label awards contenders on the festival circuit.
The Venice Film Festival: A Strong International Lineup
The Venice Film Festival running from September 2-12 kicks off with Danny Boyle’s Ink as the opening night film. Other notable premieres include Casey Affleck’s CompanyLee Chang-Dong’s Possible LoveMartin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine and Hirokazu Koreeda’s Look Back. The festival will also feature documentaries like Lance Oppenheim’s Primetime and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s Everest: The Other Side.
With Hollywood largely absent, Venice will rely on a strong international presence, including films by Nanni MorettiPaul Schrader and Luca Guadagnino. Netflix has announced that Ink will follow a similar path to Wild Horse Nine likely stopping in Telluride before heading to Toronto.
Telluride Film Festival: Anticipated Premieres
The Telluride Film Festival taking place from September 4-7 is known for its secretive program. However, industry insiders are buzzing about several anticipated premieres. Mike Leigh’s final film, Tender Loving Care is set to make its world premiere here before heading to TIFF and NYFF. Another highly anticipated film is Andrew Haigh’s A Long Winter which could benefit from Telluride’s intimate atmosphere.
Other films to watch out for include Simon Stone’s Elsinore featuring Andrew Scott and Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut starring Paul Giamatti and Julianne Moore.
Toronto International Film Festival: Star-Studded Lineup
The Toronto International Film Festival running from September 10-20 will open with Siân Heder’s Being Heumann the follow-up to her Best Picture-winning CODA. The festival will also feature world premieres of Peter Farrelly’s I Play RockyChris Rock’s Misty Green and Courteney Cox’s Evil Genius.
Toronto is also a popular stop for Sundance titles looking to relaunch into awards season. Sony Pictures Classics will screen Ha-Chan Shake Your Booty! and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York pushing their respective stars, Rinko Kikuchi and John Turturro into the lead acting races. Additionally, Beth de Araújo’s acclaimed drama Josephine is expected to make a splash.
New York Film Festival: International and Autuer Films
The New York Film Festival taking place from September 25-October 12 will open with James Gray’s Paper Tiger. Other notable premieres include Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth!Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus Zero and Ava DuVernay’s closing night documentary 14th.
The festival will also showcase a substantial international presence, including Cristian Mungiu’s FjordAlbert Serra’s Sixteen Moments of My Life and Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur.
