#USA #Arlington #Consumer Technology #Cannes Film Market #CES Innovation Awards

CES Innovation Awards® Introduces New Film Category

In an exciting turn of events at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced a collaboration with the Cannes Film Market to establish a new category for the CES Innovation Awards® aimed specifically at film production and distribution. This new category, aptly titled 'Production and Distribution in Partnership with Cannes Next,' will recognize cutting-edge technologies and tools that enhance the filmmaking process and support commercial interests in the film industry.

During an informal discussion at Cannes, Gary Shapiro, the CEO and President of CTA, and Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Cannes Film Market, revealed the exciting details of their partnership. Shapiro articulated how advancements in AI, immersive technologies, and innovative hardware are transforming the creative process and optimizing workflows within media and film production.

"This award symbolizes how filmmakers can leverage technology to unveil new worlds," said Shapiro enthusiastically. "We are thrilled to partner with Cannes Next, honoring the innovative minds reshaping the cinematic landscape we know today."

A New Era of Recognition

The newly introduced award aims to honor solutions that empower creators and industry professionals, including producers, sales agents, distributors, financiers, and content creators. As part of this collaboration, members of the Cannes Next community will serve as judges, ensuring that innovators in the space gain well-deserved recognition. This trailblazing award will highlight companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers developing transformative technologies that aid creators and professionals in making, producing, and distributing films.

Applications are anticipated to cover a spectrum of areas, such as:

• - Audio and video hardware
• - Pre-production and post-production software
• - Streaming service technologies
• - Cloud-based video distribution technologies

The call for submissions will also include the latest developments in generative AI for screenwriting, video work, voice applications, virtual production, visual effects (VFX), and next-generation distribution platforms.

"At the Cannes Film Market, we are committed to showcasing innovations that empower creators and industry professionals to shape the future of cinema," stated Esmiol. "The prestigious platform of the CES Innovation Awards makes it ideal to highlight new technologies enhancing artistic expression while unlocking new commercial opportunities for the film industry."

The annual CES Innovation Awards celebrate and honor exceptional design and engineering that addresses global challenges through technology. Product submissions for the CES 2026 awards will open in June, along with entries for those interested in joining the esteemed jury of this awards program.

About the CES®

The CES stands as the most influential technology event in the world, serving as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies and global innovators. It is here that leading brands conduct business, meet new partners, and where the most talented innovators showcase their breakthroughs. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES covers every aspect of the tech sector, taking place from January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. For more details, please visit CES.tech or follow CES on X.

About the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®

The CTA is the largest trade association in North America representing the technology sector. Our members consist of the world's leading innovators, from startups to global brands, contributing to over 18 million American jobs. The CTA owns and produces the CES®, the most impactful global technology event. Find us at CTA.tech or follow us on @CTAtech.

About the Cannes Film Market

The Cannes Film Market, the business center of the Cannes Film Festival, is the largest international gathering of film industry professionals, bringing together over 15,000 participants from around the globe, including sales agents, producers, distributors, festival programmers, and film institutions. Each year, it hosts over 1,500 exclusive screenings and 4,000 ongoing development projects along with 250 industry events. For further information, visit marchedufilm.com.

About Cannes Next

Cannes Next is the Cannes Film Market's innovation platform focusing on business, networking, and exploring the future of entertainment. Covering trends and technological transformations shaping our industry, Cannes Next delves into AI, virtual production, immersive storytelling, and other new technologies that define the next stage of filmmaking.