Trending Now - Cannes Critics Week 2026 to Launch With 'in Waves' Animation

WHO:

Variety - Phuong Mai Nguyen is the director of the animated feature "In Waves."

Deadline - The film features voice work from Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu.

WHAT:

Variety - "In Waves" will open the 65th edition of Cannes Critics' Week.

Deadline - "In Waves" is an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic novel and is among 11 features selected from 1,050 submissions.

WHERE:

Variety - The event takes place at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

WHEN:

Variety - Cannes Critics' Week will kick off in 2026.

Deadline - The lineup was unveiled on Monday, April 11th, 2026.

WHY:

Variety - "In Waves" is notable for being the first animated film to open the Cannes Critics' Week, which is curated by Ava Cahen.

HOW:

Deadline - The selection process involved reviewing 1,050 feature-length submissions to choose the final 11 films.

(UPDATED April 13, 2026 11:19 UTC)

The animated feature "In Waves," directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and featuring voice work from Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu, will open the 65th edition of Cannes Critics' Week at the Cannes Film Festival in France. This film, an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic novel, is significant for being the first animated film to kick off the Critics' Week, which is curated by Ava Cahen. The lineup was unveiled on Saturday, after a thorough selection process that reviewed 1,050 feature-length submissions to choose the final 11 films.