The BFI London Film Festival has unveiled a significant slate of new additions to its 2026 programme, including international premieres from some of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers. The announcement, released at 3pm BST on Monday, marks a major expansion of the Festival’s 70th‑anniversary edition, which runs from 7–18 October.
The Festival confirmed that Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial will receive its International Premiere, with Andrew Garfield starring as OpenAI co‑founder Sam Altman. The film charts “the tumultuous period that saw Altman ousted as CEO of his own company,” according to the BFI press release, which describes Garfield’s performance as one of his strongest to date.
Other headline additions include the UK premiere of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall, a 71‑minute portrait of the Geese frontman’s solo piano performance, shot in collaboration with filmmaker Benny Safdie. The Festival says the film offers “an immersive cinematic experience for those of us who couldn’t be there.”
Documentary highlights feature Everest: The Other Side, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The film follows mountaineers Jim Morrison and Hilaree Nelson as they attempt to climb and ski down Everest’s north face — a feat the BFI calls “a compelling and moving portrait of perseverance.”
Jonathan Glazer’s Joy of Joys will also premiere in Europe. The 38‑minute film, devised with composer Mica Levi, juxtaposes footage of London schoolchildren filming recording sessions with artists including Olivia Rodrigo and Arctic Monkeys, alongside images captured by children in conflict zones. The BFI says the film “finds in music a form of witness and refuge.”
A24 brings two major titles to the Festival: Lance Oppenheim’s Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson as TV host Chris Hansen, and Chris Rock’s Misty Green, a Hollywood drama led by Rosalind Eleazar. Pattinson’s performance is described as part of his “run of astonishing 2026 performances,” while Misty Green explores the struggles of a former star attempting to rebuild her life.
The Festival’s CULT strand expands with Inherit, a Thai horror film from Banjong Pisanthanakun. The story centres on a mysterious relative whose youthful appearance hides darker secrets; the BFI notes that “something sinister lurks inside this seemingly benign relative.”
Screen Talks to Feature Javier Bardem and Robert Eggers
Two major Screen Talks have also been added. Javier Bardem will appear in conversation following his performances in The Beloved and Bunker. The BFI highlights his extensive career, including Oscar‑winning roles and collaborations with directors such as the Coen Brothers, Ridley Scott and Denis Villeneuve.
Robert Eggers will discuss his body of work ahead of the release of Werwulf in January 2027. The Festival describes Eggers as “one of the 21st century’s most distinctive filmmakers,” known for The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman and his recent adaptation of Nosferatu.
Festival Details
The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7–18 October 2026, with tickets on general sale from 17 September. Screenings will take place across London, including the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, BFI Southbank, Vue West End, Curzon Soho and the BFI IMAX.
