Cannes 2026 Takeaways: Hollywood Stayed Home, AI Came Out of the Closet and ‘Club Kid’ Director Jordan Firstman Made a $17 Million Splash
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- Demi Moore told Cannes jurors that fighting AI is a losing battle, sparking a social‑media firestorm.
- Hollywood was largely absent from Cannes 2026, with directors Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg declining invitations amid budget cuts and concerns about French critics.
- Jordan Firstman’ debut film “Club Kid” earned a standing‑ovation and was likened to “Big Daddy,” marking a $17 million breakout at the festival.
- Steven Soderbergh presented an AI‑enhanced film that cut production costs and expanded visual ambition, a trend echoed by fellow director Doug Liman.
Why it matters: Studios lose Cannes buzz and potential box‑office lift, while AI‑savvy filmmakers cut budgets; Firstman’s $17 M hit proves indie talent can command lucrative returns, shifting funding toward low‑cost, high‑impact projects.
