Cannes Day 5: 'Club Kid' and 'Gentle Monster' Shine, John Travolta Surprised

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and it seems the event has finally found its rhythm after a slow start. This week has brought a number of standout films, critical acclaim, and even an unexpected Palme d'Or award. Let's take a closer look at what's been happening on the Croisette.

'Club Kid' and 'Gentle Monster' Gain Attention

For those trying to predict which films might walk away with awards this year, "Gentle Monster" and "Club Kid" have emerged as early frontrunners. Both have received positive reviews and generated excitement among festivalgoers.

In "Gentle Monster," Léa Seydoux delivers a powerful performance as a woman whose husband is arrested for a heinous sex crime. Directed by Marie Kreutzer, the film has been praised for its emotional depth and nuanced storytelling. Our critic Ben Croll noted that the film is "quiet" yet "searing," capturing the complexities of human relationships without resorting to overt antagonism. He wrote:

"Though Kreutzer never lets any adult character off the moral hook, she also refuses to shade these relationships with outright antagonism. Instead, they are all appraising one another, weighing others' actions to balance their own ethical scales, and in doing so, trying to better understand themselves. That's the same reason we turn to art."

Meanwhile, "Club Kid" has been one of the most anticipated films of the festival. Jordan Firstman, who gained attention last year for his role in HBO's "I Love LA," both writes, directs, and stars in this film about a washed-up party promoter who discovers he has a son. The film has been described as "earnest, heartwarming, and vivacious," offering a fresh perspective on parenting and unconventional lifestyles. Critic Zachary Lee called it "a celebration of the warmth and love in unconventional lifestyles."

The film received a six-minute standing ovation after its premiere, and Firstman was visibly moved by the audience's reaction. There's already speculation about which distributor will acquire the film, and fans are eager to see where it goes next.

John Travolta Receives a Surprise Palme d'Or

John Travolta made an appearance at the festival to present his directorial debut, "Propeller One-Way Night Coach." However, before the screening, he was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or.

"I'm overwhelmed. This is a humbling moment, so thank you Thierry from the bottom of my heart," Travolta said to the cheering crowd. "When I met with you in November, I had no expectation that my film would be accepted. And when Thierry said that it was making history as the first film ever accepted that early, I cried like a baby. I just couldn't believe it, because, in my opinion, you are the most discerning person in the movie industry."

Travolta added, "I was just happy to be here, I never expected this. This is beyond the Oscar, really."

Despite the honor, the reception for "Propeller One-Way Night Coach" was less than stellar. Our critic Chase Hutchinson called the film "a disaster," describing it as "a stiff, agonizingly lifeless affair." He criticized the film for feeling disconnected from its source material, writing:

"This adaptation of Travolta's own 1997 children's novel of the same name is a stiff, agonizingly lifeless affair. For all the ways it seems to be deeply personal and intent on exploring how people are shaped by the formative experiences of their youth, it feels like it may have actually been directed by an alien discovering human interaction for the first time."

Additional Reviews and Highlights

Here’s a quick recap of some of the latest film reviews from the festival:

• 'John Lennon: The Last Interview' Review: Steven Soderbergh explores themes of love and AI in this thought-provoking piece.
• 'Sheep in the Box' Review: A Japanese film that delves into grief and parenting, praised for its lo-fi aesthetic.
• 'Clarissa' Review: Sophie Okonedo shines in this reimagining of Virginia Woolf's "Mrs Dalloway."
• 'Gun-Che (Colony)' Review: A zombie action film that could have been a great video game but falls short as a cinematic experience.
• 'Gentle Monster' Review: Léa Seydoux delivers a chilling and emotional performance in this moral drama.
• 'Karma' Review: Marion Cotillard stars in a religious cult thriller that is uneven but compelling.
• 'Club Kid' Review: A sincere yet vain dramedy that radiates queer joy and authenticity.

As the festival continues, more surprises and standout performances are sure to emerge. Stay tuned for the latest updates.