Trending Now - Lukas Dhont's 'coward' Receives Rave Reception at Cannes

WHO:

Deadline - Lukas Dhont is the director of the film "Coward."

Variety - The film features a burgeoning romance between two Belgian soldiers.

WHAT:

Deadline - "Coward" received one of the biggest responses to a film in this year's Cannes competition lineup.

Variety - "Coward" is described as Dhont's most satisfying film to date.

Deadline - "Coward" received a 13-minute ovation after its world premiere screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

Variety - "Coward" is described as a queer romantic drama and is Dhont's third feature film.

WHERE:

Deadline - The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

WHEN:

Deadline - The world premiere screening of "Coward" took place on a Thursday.

WHY:

Variety - Dhont was inspired to create "Coward" after discovering black-and-white photographs of soldiers staging performances for their fellow troops during World War I.

HOW:

Variety - The film incorporates elements of historical context, including soldiers crossdressing to perform as can-can dancers.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 01:41 UTC)

"Coward" has garnered one of the biggest responses in this year's Cannes competition lineup, making a significant impact among the films showcased. Variety reports that the film is being hailed as Dhont's most satisfying work to date. This strong reception highlights the film's potential to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

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(UPDATED May 21, 2026 23:22 UTC)

The film "Coward," directed by Lukas Dhont, recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an impressive 13-minute ovation. This queer romantic drama explores a budding romance between two Belgian soldiers and is inspired by historical photographs of World War I soldiers performing for their comrades, including crossdressing as can-can dancers. "Coward" marks Dhont's third feature film and showcases a unique blend of history and emotion in its storytelling.