Wscripted names 12 finalists for 2026 Cannes Screenplay List

Wscripted has named 12 finalists for its sixth Cannes Screenplay List, an annual showcase of screenplays by women and non-binary writers held during the Cannes Film Festival. Curated by a jury that includes Elisabeth Moss, Daphne Schmon, and Ash Mayfair, the list highlights projects from 10 countries and spans genres from drama to sci-fi. The announcement marks the latest step in Wscripted’s push to amplify underrepresented voices in the global film industry.

The Cannes Screenplay List was launched in 2021 to counter the persistent gender imbalance in film development. Despite making up half the population, women and non-binary writers receive less than 20% of major screenplay deals and only 10% of financing for first features. Moss, who has long advocated for gender parity, said the initiative gives overlooked talent a platform. “This list isn’t just about visibility,” she said. “It’s about access—connecting writers with producers, agents, and financiers who can turn their ideas into films.”

Among the finalists are projects from Brazil, India, and Lebanon, reflecting the list’s global scope. One entry, a dystopian thriller set in São Paulo, was written by a first-time screenwriter who previously worked as a civil rights lawyer. Another, a period drama about a 19th-century female astronomer, comes from a non-binary writer who also directs indie shorts. Wscripted will host a private showcase during Cannes next May, where finalists can pitch to industry buyers. Past editions have led to at least three greenlit projects, including a 2023 Netflix-backed drama.

The push comes as film festivals face pressure to diversify. Cannes has been criticized for its lack of female-directed films in competition—only one woman has won the Palme d’Or in its 77-year history. Wscripted’s initiative is part of a broader trend, with organizations like the Sundance Institute and Berlinale introducing similar programs. For writers on this year’s list, the stakes are high. If even one project secures funding, it could shift the narrative around who gets to tell cinematic stories.