Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, Cody Fern Films Round Out 2026 Toronto Fest Lineup
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
The Toronto Film Festival has announced additional titles completing its 51st edition lineup, centred around high-profile international filmmakers. Martin McDonagh contributes a dark comedy about CIA operatives stationed on Easter Island during Chile's 1973 political upheaval, whilst Werner Herzog brings a new feature starring Kate and Rooney Mara alongside Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson. First-time director Cody Fern's world premiere features Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson and Dianne Wiest.
The festival expands across September 10–20 with a comprehensive 293-title programme spanning multiple presentation tiers. Opening honours go to Sian Heder's biographical feature, with a film about Canadian racing driver Gilles Villeneuve serving as the closing selection. The final announcement completes the festival's international slate, which includes documentary work, Canadian premieres and films making their first appearances globally.
- Toronto Film Festival 51st edition features films from Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, and Cody Fern's directorial debut
- Festival runs Sept 10–20 with 293 total titles; Sian Heder's 'Being Heumann' opens, Villeneuve biopic closes
New here? Start with this
Toronto is home to one of the world's biggest film festivals, held every September, where new movies get their public debut and often build momentum ahead of awards season. Studios and independent filmmakers use it to launch titles to audiences, critics and industry buyers all at once. This year marks the festival's 51st edition, running from 10 to 20 September.
Each summer the festival releases its lineup in stages, and this is one of the final rounds of additions before the full programme is locked in. It features new work from well-known directors, including Martin McDonagh and Werner Herzog, alongside a first feature from actor-turned-director Cody Fern, all backed by recognisable casts. The event also includes an opening film and a closing film, plus a wide slate of premieres from around the world.
The festival matters because films that debut there often go on to shape awards conversations and secure wider distribution deals. Its programme is watched closely by the film industry as an early signal of which titles will resonate with audiences and critics in the months ahead.
More coverage