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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organization behind the renowned CES tech show, has forged a partnership with the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival to launch a new CES Innovation Awards category for 2026. This category is dedicated to advancements in film production and distribution technologies. Revealed during a Cannes Next fireside chat, the award—titled “Filmmaking & Distribution, in partnership with Cannes Next”—will highlight innovative tools and technologies that enhance film creation, distribution, and overall industry operations.

This initiative was announced by CTA CEO and Vice Chair Gary Shapiro alongside Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. Shapiro emphasized how AI-driven tools, immersive technologies, and hardware innovations are crafted to elevate the creative process and optimize workflows in film and media production.

“This award showcases how creators in film can leverage technology to unlock new worlds,” stated Shapiro. “We’re excited to collaborate with Cannes Next and honor the community of innovators who are reshaping the film industry as we know it.”

The new award category will recognize a wide array of technological advancements, from audio-visual equipment and production software to streaming services and cloud-based distribution platforms. It will also celebrate groundbreaking developments in generative AI for screenwriting, video, and voice, as well as virtual production, VFX, and next-gen content delivery methods. Judges for this category will include esteemed members of the Cannes Next community, ensuring expert evaluation from within the industry.

Like other CES Innovation Awards, the filmmaking and distribution category will be open to companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers whose innovations empower creative professionals across the film and media ecosystem. Submissions for CES 2026, including applications to judge the awards, will open in June.

“At the Marché du Film, we are dedicated to showcasing innovations that empower creatives, storytellers, and industry professionals, shaping the future of cinema,” added Esmiol. “The global reputation of CES Innovation Awards makes it the ideal platform to highlight new technologies that enhance artistic expression and unlock new business opportunities for the film industry.”