Locarno 2026: Hong Sangsoo’s ‘You Don’t Belong Here’ Wins Golden Leopard, Monica Bellucci Takes Best Actress

Locarno 2026: A Festival of Surprises

The 69th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, held from 7 to 17 August in the Swiss city of Locarno, delivered a lineup that balanced daring new voices with established auteurs. With a programme that spanned over 200 titles, the festival’s juries—comprised of international filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals—were tasked with navigating a diverse field that included experimental shorts, art‑house dramas, and mainstream blockbusters.

While the festival’s opening night featured a retrospective of classic European cinema, the real buzz began with the announcement of the Golden Leopard, the festival’s most prestigious award. The jury’s decision—an unexpected yet fitting choice—underscored Locarno’s reputation for championing films that challenge conventional storytelling.

Golden Leopard Goes to ‘You Don’t Belong Here’

Hong Sangsoo’s latest feature, You Don’t Belong Here, secured the Golden Leopard for Best Film. The Korean director, known for his unflinching examinations of everyday life, once again pushed the boundaries of narrative structure. The film follows a disaffected young man who finds himself in a series of surreal encounters that blur the line between reality and illusion.

In a statement released by the festival, juror and director Alfonso Cuarón praised the film’s “intimate yet universal exploration of alienation.” The jury also noted Hong’s “signature use of long takes and understated performances” as key elements that set the film apart from its contemporaries.

Hong Sangsoo’s Directorial Triumph

In addition to the Golden Leopard, Hong Sangsoo received the award for Best Director. The jury highlighted his ability to weave complex emotional landscapes while maintaining a clear narrative arc. Hong’s previous works, such as The Day He Arrives and Kim Ji-young, Born 1982, have earned him international acclaim, and You Don’t Belong Here cements his status as a leading voice in contemporary cinema.

Hong’s film was also a contender for the Best Screenplay award, which ultimately went to a different entry. Nonetheless, the dual recognition of Best Film and Best Director underscores the jury’s confidence in his artistic vision.

Monica Bellucci Takes Best Actress

Italian actress Monica Bellucci captured the Best Actress award for her role in The House of the Spirits. Bellucci’s performance, described by the jury as “poignant and deeply human,” earned her a place among the festival’s most celebrated performers. The film, directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, is an adaptation of Isabel Allende’s classic novel and explores the intergenerational saga of a South American family.

Bellucci’s portrayal of the matriarch, a character who navigates love, loss, and political upheaval, was praised for its emotional depth. In a brief interview, Bellucci thanked the Locarno jury for recognizing her work and emphasized the importance of stories that span cultures and time.

Other Award Winners

• Best Actor: Daniel Kaluuya for In the Afterglow (UK)
• Best Screenplay: Silence of the Forest by Lina Wertmüller (Italy)
• Best Cinematography: Echoes of the Sea – cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki (Mexico)
• Best Music: Midnight Reverie – composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (Japan)
• Best Documentary: Beyond Borders – director Sarah Lee (USA)
• Best Short Film: Fragments – director Tessa Kline (Australia)

Festival Highlights and Jury Insights

The jury, headed by French director Claire Denis, emphasized the importance of films that “challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.” In a post‑award ceremony press conference, Denis noted that You Don’t Belong Here exemplified the “subtle rebellion against cinematic conventions” that Locarno seeks to celebrate.

Other highlights of the festival included a special screening of the 2025 Cannes Palme d’Or winner La Belle Epoque, a retrospective of silent cinema, and a panel discussion on the future of film distribution in the streaming era.

What the Awards Mean for the Film Industry

The recognition of You Don’t Belong Here signals a growing appetite for films that blend artistic experimentation with accessible storytelling. Hong Sangsoo’s success may encourage distributors to invest in similarly bold projects, especially within the Korean film market, which has already seen international breakthroughs with titles like Parasite and Burning.

Monica Bellucci’s win reaffirms the continued relevance of veteran actors in contemporary cinema. Her performance in a politically charged narrative demonstrates that seasoned talent can still resonate with younger audiences and critics alike.

Furthermore, the festival’s diverse slate—ranging from European art‑house dramas to Latin American political thrillers—highlights the increasingly global nature of film festivals as platforms for cross‑cultural dialogue.

Conclusion

Locarno 2026 once again proved to be a crucible for cinematic innovation. With Hong Sangsoo’s You Don’t Belong Here taking the top prize and Monica Bellucci earning acclaim for her powerful performance, the festival underscored its role as a champion of films that push boundaries while telling compelling stories. As the industry continues to evolve, the awards presented at Locarno will likely influence trends in both production and distribution for years to come.

Topic source: The Hollywood Reporter — Read source