The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, marking its 25th anniversary with a robust slate of one-night-only events celebrating film, music, and culture. Running from June 3rd to June 14th in New York City, the festival promises a dynamic blend of retrospectives, reunions, and in-depth discussions that honor its legacy while embracing the future of storytelling. Single tickets are now available for purchase at TribecaFilm.com.
A Quarter-Century of Storytelling: Honoring Legacy and Cultivating New Voices
Tribeca Festival Co-Founder and Co-Chair Jane Rosenthal articulated the enduring mission of the festival, stating, "Tribeca was founded on the belief that storytelling brings people together and moves culture and our society forward. For 25 years, those ideas have shaped everything we do. This milestone Festival honors the artists who have defined our cultural landscape, including Bruce Springsteen’s enduring legacy, while revisiting films that continue to resonate across generations, like ‘Taxi Driver.’ At the same time, we are proudly championing new voices and creating space for the next generation of storytellers. This balance between legacy and discovery is what keeps Tribeca vital, relevant, and looking ahead.”
This year’s programming reflects Rosenthal’s sentiment, offering a curated selection that spans five decades of cinematic and cultural impact. The festival, which began in the wake of the September 11th attacks as a way to revitalize downtown Manhattan, has grown into a globally recognized platform for independent film and cultural discourse. Its evolution mirrors the changing landscape of media and entertainment, consistently adapting to new technologies and audience engagement models.
Bruce Springsteen to Receive Inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award
A central highlight of the 2026 festival is the presentation of the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award to iconic musician and activist Bruce Springsteen. This prestigious honor, established by the late Paula Weinstein, Tribeca’s former Chief Content Officer, acclaimed producer, and lifelong activist, recognizes artists who leverage their platforms to champion equality, dignity, and human rights. The award is named in tribute to Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer, actor, and civil rights leader whose life’s work exemplified the powerful intersection of artistry and activism.
"There are few figures who embody the spirit of Tribeca’s Harry Belafonte Award more fully than Bruce Springsteen," said Rosenthal, underscoring Springsteen’s profound impact through his music and his consistent advocacy for social causes.
The evening dedicated to Springsteen’s honor promises an extraordinary gathering of influential figures. A special conversation will feature Springsteen in dialogue with his longtime friend and fellow activist, Bono. Esteemed artists Robert De Niro and Patti Smith are also slated to join, offering tributes to Springsteen’s multifaceted legacy, one defined not only by his prolific artistic output but by his unwavering commitment to social action. This event, scheduled for Saturday, June 13th, at the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC, is poised to be a deeply resonant and inspiring moment of the festival.
Spotlight on New Cinematic Voices and Global Premieres
Beyond its celebrated retrospectives, Tribeca Festival continues its tradition of premiering new cinematic works. This year’s festival will host the world premieres of several compelling feature films.
Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – Live in Paris will offer audiences an immersive cinematic experience of the global pop superstar’s electrifying concert tour. The premiere, scheduled for Monday, June 8th, at the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC, will be followed by an intimate conversation with Katy Perry herself, providing insights into the creative vision and execution of her spectacular performances. Directed by Paul Dugdale and produced by Daniel E Catullo III, Simon Fisher, Andrew Ward, and Baz Halpin, this film promises to capture the energy and artistry that defines Perry’s live shows.
Director Tony Kaye, known for his seminal 1998 film "American History X," will present his latest work, Humpty Dumpty X. This introspective documentary, set for its world premiere on Saturday, June 6th, at AMC 2, delves into Kaye’s personal creative journey, exploring themes of genius, artistic conflict, and the challenges of protecting one’s creative voice within the film industry. Produced by Yan Kaye, the film offers a raw and unfiltered look at the director’s experiences.
Adding to the diverse lineup is Hallowarrior, a United States world premiere directed, written, and produced by Ben Sottak. This post-apocalyptic thriller, starring Milly Shapiro, Ajani Russell, AJ Bowen, and Shannyn Sossamon, centers on a survivor who must confront a dangerous group of scavengers. Its premiere is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th, at VEC-07.
The festival will also feature the New York Premiere of The Best Summer, a found-footage documentary directed and produced by Tamra Davis. Offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at a 1995 concert tour, the film includes live performances, candid interviews, and an intimate glimpse into the lives of artists such as the Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Beck, Pavement, Rancid, The Amps, and Bikini Kill.
Anniversary Celebrations: Revisiting Cinematic Milestones
The 2026 Tribeca Festival is commemorating significant anniversaries of iconic films, bringing together cast, crew, and fans for special screenings and discussions.
The 50th anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, Taxi Driver, will be celebrated with a screening and a highly anticipated conversation featuring director Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese on Friday, June 5th, at the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC. This seminal neo-noir film, starring De Niro as a troubled Vietnam veteran and taxi driver navigating the gritty streets of New York City, has profoundly influenced filmmaking and continues to resonate with audiences for its exploration of alienation and urban decay.
The beloved romantic comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary will mark its 25th anniversary with a screening and a conversation with director Sharon Maguire and Academy Award-winning star Renée Zellweger on Friday, June 12th, at the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC. The film, which earned Zellweger her first Oscar nomination, has become a cultural touchstone for its relatable portrayal of modern single life.
In a significant retrospective, Daft Punk’s avant-garde science fiction film Electroma will be honored with a 20th-anniversary screening of a newly restored 4K presentation on Monday, June 8th, at SVA-2. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter and collaborator Cédric Hervet, offering a rare glimpse into the making of this visually striking and thought-provoking film about two robots’ quest to become human.
The groundbreaking neo-noir Bound, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday, June 7th, at Spring Studios. This screening will be preceded by the New York premiere of the short film "Wild Ones," executive produced by Lilly Wachowski, and followed by a discussion with director Lilly Wachowski and stars Gina Gershon and Joe Pantoliano. The film’s bold storytelling and stylish direction marked a significant moment for independent cinema and LGBTQ+ representation.
The documentary Small Town Gay Bar, an executive-produced by Kevin Smith and directed by Malcolm Ingram, will commemorate its 20th anniversary on Monday, June 8th, at AMC-02. The film offers a poignant and enduring portrait of community and self-expression within two Mississippi gay bars, highlighting the resilience and spirit of its subjects. Director Malcolm Ingram will participate in an extended panel conversation following the screening.
The Tribeca Storytellers Series: Intimate Conversations with Cultural Icons
The Tribeca Storytellers Series returns with an exceptional lineup of live conversations featuring prominent figures from film, music, sports, and media. These intimate discussions provide audiences with direct access to the creative processes and personal insights of influential artists and public figures.
Sean Penn, a three-time Academy Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and humanitarian, will engage in a timely discussion on activism and global impact with CNN Chief White House Correspondent and anchor of "The Source," Kaitlan Collins. This conversation, scheduled for Friday, June 5th, at Spring Studios, will likely touch upon Penn’s extensive work with his nonprofit organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and Collins’s experience reporting from the front lines of global political discourse.
Este Haim, the bassist and vocalist of the Grammy-nominated rock trio HAIM and a composer for film, will share insights into her multifaceted career, spanning performance and musical composition. Her talk is set for Saturday, June 13th, at Spring Studios. Haim’s recent work in film scoring, including contributions to Netflix’s "Maid" and HBO’s "The White Lotus," showcases her versatility beyond the rock stage.
City National Bank, a key partner of the festival, presents several compelling Storytellers Series events. Actor Paul Rudd, celebrated for his extensive career in film and television, will reflect on his diverse body of work on Thursday, June 4th, at Spring Studios. His upcoming projects include "Power Ballad," "Avengers: Doomsday," and Tom McCarthy’s "The Statement," alongside an independent feature, "Rain Reign," which is set to premiere at this year’s festival.
NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Dwyane Wade will discuss his significant influence across sports, business, and culture on Wednesday, June 10th, at the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC. Wade’s ventures extend beyond the basketball court, encompassing production work on Oscar-nominated documentaries like "The Barber of Little Rock" and Emmy-winning projects such as "The Redeem Team."
Singer, songwriter, and producer Finneas, a multi-Academy Award and Grammy Award winner, will offer his perspective as one of today’s most sought-after collaborators. He will be in conversation with BAFTA-nominated composer Anthony Willis, known for his scores for films like "Promising Young Woman" and "Saltburn." This discussion, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at Spring Studios, will explore the landscape of modern music production and film scoring.
Keke Palmer, a multi-Emmy Award-winning actress, host, singer-songwriter, and author, will round out the Storytellers Series in a highly anticipated conversation with fellow entertainment icon Whoopi Goldberg on Monday, June 8th, at SVA-1. Palmer’s dynamic career across screen, music, and media has garnered significant acclaim, including the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year.
Tribeca Studios: Showcasing Emerging Talent and Innovative Storytelling
Tribeca Studios, the festival’s year-round artist development arm, will present world premieres of original short films from its various programs, highlighting the next generation of filmmakers and their innovative approaches to storytelling.
Vital Stories, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, will debut three original short films developed through an initiative aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers to represent disease more accurately and authentically. These films, created with access to a new content creation toolkit from Lilly and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, include "Do I Know You From Somewhere?" by Angela Wong Carbone and Alan Scott Neal, "Reconstructing Charlie" by Lara Everly, and "Run It Back" by Abby Pierce and Tiffany “Tiny” Cruz. The premiere is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th, at the Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios.
Fueled By The Future, in collaboration with OpenAI, will showcase two new short films that push the boundaries of filmmaking, integrating bold personal narratives with emerging technologies. These projects represent the culmination of a year-round program supporting the creation of original live-action works. The films include "Smoked" by Alice Gu and "Mauvais Soleil" by Youssef Michraf, premiering Sunday, June 7th, at Roxy Cinema New York.
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and Tribeca Studios are collaborating to present two short documentaries that explore compelling stories at the intersection of sports and the Latino community. These films, supported by program ambassador John Leguizamo, offer fresh perspectives on athletes, moments, and legacies that shape the sports world. The featured films are "13.4 Seconds To Nowhere" by Llaima Sanfiorenzo and "Shooting Stars: The Adrián Solano Story" by Daniel Poler, with their premiere on Friday, June 12th, at AMC, Theater 2.
The comprehensive 2026 Tribeca Festival programming lineup, featuring Talks, Reunions, and Retrospectives, offers a rich tapestry of cinematic and cultural experiences. With single tickets now on sale at TribecaFilm.com, attendees have the opportunity to engage with celebrated artists, discover new talent, and celebrate 25 years of Tribeca’s enduring commitment to storytelling. The festival continues to be a vital platform for dialogue, reflection, and the advancement of artistic and social progress.
