Every year in early September, the small seaside resort of Deauville, in Normandy, rolls out the red carpet for American cinema. Hollywood stars, independent films and film lovers meet for about ten days between the beach and the cinemas.
Here is the story of the festival, what to know about the 2026 edition, and how to enjoy it while learning French.
Key takeaways
- The Deauville American Film Festival has been running since 1975.
- It takes place every year in early September, for about ten days.
- The 52nd edition was held from 4 to 13 September 2026.
- Films are shown in their original version with French subtitles.
Why American cinema in Deauville?
Normandy and the United States share a strong history: American soldiers landed on Normandy’s beaches on 6 June 1944. Deauville, an elegant resort two hours from Paris, was also used to hosting international visitors. The festival was created in 1975 to introduce French audiences to American films. First a showcase for the big studios, it gradually turned towards independent cinema and young directors.
Festival traditions
- Les Planches. Deauville’s famous wooden boardwalk runs along the beach. Its beach cabins bear the names of American stars who have come to the festival.
- The competition. A jury, often chaired by a French film personality, awards the Grand Prix, the Jury Prize and the Revelation Prize.
- Tributes. Each edition honours major figures of American cinema, who attend in person.
- The public. Many screenings are open to the public, with day passes or full-festival passes.
The 2026 edition at a glance
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Grand Prix | « Club Kid », by Jordan Firstman |
| Jury Prize | « If I Go Will They Miss Me », by Walter Thompson-Hernández |
| Revelation Prize | « Mouse », by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson |
| Jury president | Roschdy Zem, actor and director |
Good to know: Deauville is easy to reach by train from Paris Saint-Lazare station, in about two hours. Trouville-Deauville station is a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and Les Planches.
Enjoying the festival while learning French
- French subtitles. Watching an English-language film with French subtitles is great practice for fast reading.
- Talks and press conferences. Q&A sessions with film crews are often held in French, with interpreting: perfect for your ear.
- Film vocabulary. Learn a few key words: un long métrage (a feature film), un réalisateur (a director), une avant-première (a premiere), la bande-annonce (the trailer), le palmarès (the list of winners).
- Conversations. Between screenings, ask other festival-goers what they saw: « Vous avez aimé le film ? » is enough to start a chat.
Going further
For more French cultural events, discover Beaujolais Nouveau or public holidays in France. To talk about films with a native teacher, try our French conversation course or the Live French Club.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Deauville American Film Festival?
Every year in early September, for about ten days. The 2026 edition, the 52nd, was held from 4 to 13 September.
Can the public attend the festival?
Yes. Many screenings are open to the public, with day passes or passes for the whole festival.
Are the films in French?
Films are shown in their original version, usually English, with French subtitles.
Who won the Grand Prix at Deauville in 2026?
The 2026 Grand Prix went to « Club Kid », by Jordan Firstman, which also won the audience award.
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