Pixar’s Elemental chosen as the ‘Last Screening’ for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in late May

The 76th Cannes Film Festival concludes with the world premiere of Pixar’s highly anticipated animated feature, Elemental.

The prestigious festival dubbed Elemental the “Last Screening,” which will take place on May 27, ahead of the film’s June 16 theatrical release in the United States.

The film features the voices of Leah Lewis as Ember Lumen and Mamoudou Athie as Wade Ripple, although the Cannes press release has revealed that two French actors – Adèle Exarchopoulos and Vincent Lacoste – will voice Ember and Wade.

This will be the French actors’ first experience in film dubbing, with the French voice cast augmented by Gabriel Le Doze, Coco Noël, Céline Monsarrat and Michel Dodane.

The film is set in Element City, where fire, water, earth and air live in perfect harmony.

Last: The prestigious festival called Elemental the ‘Last Screening’, which will take place on May 27, ahead of the movie’s June 16 theatrical release in the United States

This is where Ember, a fearless and quick-witted young woman with a strong personality, and Wade, a sentimental, fun-loving boy who always goes with the flow, live.

Their friendship challenges Ember’s beliefs about the world they live in.

The original voice cast includes Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara, Mason Wertheimer and Joe Pera.

“As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and gather in story rooms, animation dailies and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it is a joy and an honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” said Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer.

“Elemental, directed by extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, is so funny, full of heart and, quite frankly, stunning to watch,” Docter continued.

“It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and I’m thrilled that it’s having its world premiere at Cannes,” he concluded.

“For many years, the Festival de Cannes has welcomed animated films from all over the world,” said Thierry Frémaux, general representative of the festival in his statement.

Pixar Animation Studios made history in Cannes with Up, directed by Pete Docter, opening the 62nd edition of the festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event!’ he added.

Wade and Ember: This is where Ember (right), a fearless and witty young woman with a strong personality, and Wade (left), a sentimental, funny, go-with-the-flow boy, live

Challenge: Their friendship challenges Ember’s beliefs about the world they live in

“This is another great opportunity to present the amazing Elemental for the “Last Screening” of this 76th Festival de Cannes, and to reflect on our lives in such a powerful way,” Fremaux concluded.

Elemental will open in theaters with a new animated short titled Carl’s Date, though it’s unclear if that short will also screen at Cannes.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Jeanne du Barry, directed by Maïwenn and starring Johnny Depp, will be the festival’s opening film.

Maïwenn herself plays the title role with Johnny Depp as Louis XV, alongside Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard, Pascal Greggory and India Hair.

The historical drama about the life, rise and fall of King Louis XV’s favorite will be released in French cinemas the same day.

Other high-profile films shown out of competition include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

Films that will be screened in competition for the prestigious Palme d’Or include Asteroid City by Wes Anderson, The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer, May December by Todd Haynes and Bandel E Adama, the debut film by Ramata-Toulaye Sy.

Opportunity: ‘This is another great opportunity to present the great Elemental for the “Last Screening” of this 76th Festival de Cannes, and to reflect on our lives in such a powerful way’, concluded Fremaux.

Theaters: Elemental will open in theaters with a new animated short titled Carl’s Date, though it’s unclear if that short will also screen at Cannes