The 79th Locarno Film Festival took place from 5 to 15 August 2026 in the picturesque Swiss town of Locarno, once again reaffirming its reputation as one of the world’s most important showcases for auteur cinema. Since its foundation in 1946, the festival has occupied a unique place on the international calendar, offering a platform for bold, innovative filmmaking that often goes on to shape the future of world cinema. From intimate arthouse dramas to formally daring experiments, Locarno continues to champion directors willing to push cinematic language in new directions.
One of the festival’s defining features remains the iconic Piazza Grande, where thousands of spectators gather each evening beneath the stars to experience cinema on one of the largest outdoor screens in Europe. Alongside the prestigious Concorso Internazionale, the festival once again presented its celebrated sections dedicated to emerging filmmakers, documentaries and experimental works, reinforcing Locarno’s role as a launchpad for many of tomorrow’s most exciting directors.
Main Awards
- Golden Leopard (Pardo d’Oro) — Nu e locul tău aici (This Is Not Your Place) — Florin Șerban (Romania)
- Special Jury Prize — A Margem do Rio — Lucas Camargo de Barros (Brazil / Germany)
- Best Director — Hong Sang-soo for Nun Dul Dega Eomne (Nowhere to Lay My Eyes)
- Best Performance — Kim Min-hee for Nowhere to Lay My Eyes
- Best Performance — Monica Bellucci for Ketticè
- Special Mention (Performance) — Teodor Butănescu for This Is Not Your Place
- Special Mention (Performance) — Xavier Bergeron for Nobody’s Violence
Romanian director Florin Șerban emerged as the festival’s biggest winner, taking the Golden Leopard with This Is Not Your Place, a powerful father-and-son drama that impressed the jury with its emotional intensity and uncompromising social commentary. The victory further strengthens Romania’s remarkable legacy at Europe’s leading film festivals.
South Korean master Hong Sang-soo added yet another major international honour to his extraordinary career by winning Best Director for Nowhere to Lay My Eyes. His latest film also earned Kim Min-hee one of the festival’s two acting awards, continuing one of the most successful creative collaborations in contemporary world cinema.
Among the acting honours, Monica Bellucci received the festival’s second Best Performance award for her work in the Italian coming-of-age drama Ketticè, while Teodor Butănescu and Xavier Bergeron were recognised with Special Mentions for their outstanding performances.
Nearly eight decades after its first edition, the Locarno Film Festival continues to occupy a distinctive place alongside Cannes, Venice and Berlin. Rather than chasing the highest-profile premieres, it remains committed to discovering new cinematic voices and rewarding filmmakers prepared to take creative risks. Many directors who first gained international recognition in Locarno have gone on to become defining figures of contemporary cinema, and the festival continues to uphold that tradition.
For anyone passionate about independent and auteur filmmaking, Locarno remains one of the essential festivals to follow each year. Its carefully curated programme, adventurous spirit and unwavering commitment to artistic innovation ensure that the Golden Leopard continues to be one of the most respected prizes in world cinema.
For further information, check the festival’s official website.
