#USA #Las Vegas #CES Innovation #Consumer Technology #Cannes Film

CTA and Marché du Film Collaborate for New Award Category

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), known as the owner and producer of CES, is set to embark on an exciting partnership with the Marché du Film de Cannes to introduce a groundbreaking addition to the CES Innovation Awards. This new category, themed around film production and distribution, was unveiled during the renowned 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the intersection of creativity, technology, and business.

The initiative aims to recognize outstanding technologies and tools that enhance film production and distribution. The newly introduced category, aptly named "Cinema and Distribution, in collaboration with Cannes Next," emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions that empower filmmakers and industry professionals, including producers, sales agents, and distributors.

During a casual discussion at Cannes Next, CTA's CEO Gary Shapiro and Marché du Film's Executive Director Guillaume Esmiol shared insights about this groundbreaking collaboration. Shapiro emphasized how AI-driven tools, immersive technologies, and hardware innovations are designed to refine and optimize the filmmaking process, allowing creators to harness technology in unique ways.

"This award exemplifies how filmmakers can leverage technology to explore new horizons," said Shapiro. "We are thrilled to partner with Cannes Next to celebrate the innovators who are reshaping the film industry as we know it."

This new award category will celebrate various solutions that empower narrators and industry professionals alike. Eligible categories include audio and video equipment, pre- and post-production software, streaming services, and cloud-based video distribution technologies. Additionally, advancements in generative AI for scriptwriting, video, and voice, along with virtual production, visual effects (VFX), and next-gen distribution platforms, will also be considered.

Esmiol noted, "At Marché du Film, we are dedicated to showcasing innovations that empower creatives and industry professionals, shaping the future of cinema." He further highlighted the global reputation of the CES Innovation Awards as the ideal platform to present new technologies that enhance artistic expression and create new business opportunities in the film sector.

The CES Annual Innovation Awards acknowledge exceptional design and engineering in technologies that respond to global challenges and drive significant change. The submission window for products to be considered for CES 2026 will open in June, along with the call for jurors for this prestigious award program.

About CES®

CES stands as the biggest tech event in the world, presenting a stage for revolutionary technologies and global innovators. This annual gathering provides opportunities for leading brands and fresh partnerships, showcasing groundbreaking innovations. CES 2026 is scheduled for January 6-9 in Las Vegas. For additional information, visit CES.tech and follow CES on social media.

About CTA®

As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA represents the tech industry landscape. Its members include the world’s leading innovators, ranging from startups to global brands, contributing to over 18 million jobs across the U.S. CTA owns and produces CES, the world's most significant technology event. More details can be found at CTA.tech.

About Marché du Film - Cannes Festival

The Marché du Film, the Cannes Festival’s business hub, represents the largest international gathering of film industry professionals, attracting over 15,000 participants globally, including sales agents, producers, distributors, and festival programmers. Each year, the market hosts more than 1,500 exclusive screenings, facilitates 4,000 developmental projects, and organizes 250 industry events.

For more information, visit www.marchedufilm.com.

About Cannes Next

Cannes Next serves as the Marché du Film's platform focused on innovation for business, networking, and exploring the future of entertainment. Covering trends from AI to virtual production, immersive storytelling, and emerging technologies, Cannes Next delves into the technological transformations shaping the industry.