The red carpet has been rolled up and the boardwalks are quiet once more as the 52nd Deauville American Film Festival officially closed its doors on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The festival's awards ceremony, held the day prior, saw Jordan Firstman's Club Kid crowned with the Grand Prix, presented by Roschdy Zem and his esteemed jury. The film, an A24 production, also took home the highly sought-after Audience Award, succeeding The Plague as the festival's top winner.
Club Kid first garnered attention earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it competed in the Un Certain Regard section. Set to be distributed in France by Metropolitan, the film quickly generated significant buzz.
It tells the story of Peter, played by Firstman himself, a New York-based party organizer leading a fast-paced, carefree life filled with endless nights and excesses. His world is turned upside down when Arlo, his 10-year-old son whom he never knew existed, appears at his doorstep. Overwhelmed by an unexpected role as a father, Peter is gradually won over by Arlo's charm and spontaneity. An unexpected and deep bond forms between them, as Peter discovers there's more to life than the next party.
Méli-Mélo Makes History and Wins Multiple Awards
Leah Nelson's Méli-Mélo was another significant winner at this year's festival, taking home two awards: the Jury Prize (ex-aequo with Walter Thompson-Hernández's If I Go Will They Miss Me) and the Critics' Prize. Méli-Mélo, which also had a presence at Cannes in May (out of competition), made Deauville history as the very first animated film to be selected for the official competition.
Inspired by Sarah Leavitt's graphic memoirs, this poignant film, produced by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, recounts the author's experience caring for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. It is slated for a French theatrical release on January 20, 2027.
In addition, Marine Atlan's La Gradiva received the Prix d'Ornano-Valenti, an award announced prior to the festival and given to a French debut feature film to promote its distribution in the United States.
This edition of the festival also celebrated several luminaries with honorary awards, including Deauville Talent Awards for Brendan Fraser and Ethan Hawke, New Hollywood Prizes for Sophie Thatcher and Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Icon Awards for Faye Dunaway and Susan Sarandon. Legendary actress Catherine Deneuve was also honored with a 'Carte Blanche' to discuss her American cinema experiences.
Deauville 2026: The Complete Awards List
- Grand Prix: Club Kid by Jordan Firstman
- Jury Prize: Méli-Mélo by Leah Nelson / If I Go Will They Miss Me by Walter Thompson-Hernández
- Revelation Prize: Mouse by Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson
- Deauville City Audience Award: Club Kid by Jordan Firstman
- Critics' Prize: Méli-Mélo by Leah Nelson
- Canal+ Prize: Test by Sam McConnell
- Prix d'Ornano-Valenti: La Gradiva by Marine Atlan