Cannes

American  

[kan, kanz, kan] / kæn, kænz, kan /

noun

1. a city in SE France, on the Mediterranean Sea: resort; annual film festival.

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Cannes British  

/ kan, kænz, kæn /

noun

1. a port and resort in SE France: developed in the 19th century from a fishing village; annual film festival. Pop: 67 304 (1999)

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Cannes Cultural  

1. Fashionable resort on the French Riviera.

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Usage

What is Cannes? Cannes is a popular short name for the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most well-known and prestigious film festivals. It is held annually in the city of Cannes, France.Cannes is known for featuring a variety of international films ranging from high-budget feature films to independent short films. Some films hold their premiere at Cannes.The festival, held in the resort city of Cannes on the Mediterranean Sea, has become known as a glamorous event attended by many famous actors, directors, and other celebrities.How do you pronounce Cannes?Cannes is typically pronounced in English like can, but it can also be pronounced like cans.

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Cannes hosts an annual international film festival.

Example Sentences

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, “El Paisa” was selected for the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, taking home the LGBTQ+ showcase award.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“Was great seeing you at the Majestic in Cannes earlier this week,” Yu wrote to Roubini in 2018, according to the released emails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

But when he saw it again at the Cannes Film Festival last year, he was pleased to realize it maintains its potency.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

It certainly seems like the Cannes jury made some prophetic choices: the crop of films that premiered at the festival earned a total of 19 Oscar nominations.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

“If you are looking for Mr. de Winter we had a message from Cannes to say he would not be back before midnight.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier