MIPCOM Cannes 2026 closed after a week of international deals, major announcements and discussions reflecting the transformation of the global entertainment industry. Bringing together established media companies and emerging players across technology, artificial intelligence, brands and creator-led businesses, the market highlighted new opportunities for intellectual property, investment and distribution.
Held from October 12 to 15, MIPCOM welcomed 10,100 delegates, including 3,150 buyers, from 104 countries. The top ten represented countries were the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Türkiye, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan and India. MIPJUNIOR, held ahead of the main market, brought together 600 participants, including 165 buyers.
The next edition of MIPCOM Cannes is scheduled for October 18–21, 2027.
“Our strategy is clear: to strengthen MIPCOM’s core international content business while bringing together the companies, investment, technology and new business models driving the transformation of the global entertainment industry,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes. She added that the market was connecting established industry leaders with new partners, sources of IP and opportunities for growth.
International Deals and Industry Partnerships Take Centre Stage
The 2026 market featured a range of international business announcements across traditional television, streaming and emerging formats.
Globo announced new international licensing and format agreements, while BBC Studios expanded its partnership with Samsung TV Plus through the addition of four FAST channels. ITV Studios also reported international format activity, and FOX Entertainment partnered with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat to explore opportunities in vertical drama.
MIPCOM also hosted major industry discussions against a backdrop of consolidation and changing business models. Jeff Zucker and Marco Bassetti delivered their first joint keynote following the merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media. David Decker, President of Skydance Content Sales, gave his first interview to MIPCOM Daily News, while Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria received the Variety Vanguard Award for her leadership and impact on the global entertainment industry.
YouTube, Creators and Brands Expand the Market
One of the defining themes of MIPCOM 2026 was the growing convergence of traditional entertainment businesses with digital platforms, brands, agencies and creator-led companies. YouTube returned with an expanded presence, alongside companies including dentsu, Meta and TikTok.
The market identified four areas of growth: brands, artificial intelligence, vertical storytelling and creators. These sectors are opening up new sources of intellectual property, introducing additional buyers and distribution models, and creating opportunities for commercial partnerships.
The launch of MIP BrandWorks, with dentsu as its first Headline Partner, was designed to connect brands and agencies with producers, studios and creators. Its CXO Summit brought together leaders from media, technology, advertising, agencies and AI to discuss ways to develop IP, finance content and build partnerships.
“We’ve had real conversations here about what we can build together, and I expect to see more creators coming next year. MIPCOM is meeting the moment by bringing them into the room with partners who can help their ideas travel around the world,” said Billy Parks, Head of FOX Creator Studios.
Cathy Boxall of dentsu also noted a shift in how brands approach entertainment partnerships. “We have clearly moved on from why brands should be involved in content, to how they can build it into their planning cycles, driving fandom, brand love and ultimately growth,” she said.
Creator-led entertainment was particularly prominent. Dhar Mann became MIPCOM’s first pre-opening MIP Headliner and received the inaugural Ankler Future of Entertainment Award. He also announced a new scripted series for Samsung TV Plus, illustrating how digital creators are expanding into original scripted IP and collaborating with established platforms.
FOX Entertainment presented its Creator Studios strategy in Cannes, while a discussion between YouTube EMEA Vice President Pedro Pina and RTL Deutschland CEO Stephan Schmitter explored how broadcasters and digital platforms can collaborate to reach audiences and develop new revenue streams.
Sports content was another focus, with YouTube Global Head of Media & Sports Justin Connolly and NBCUniversal’s Matt Schnaars discussing ways media companies and digital platforms can extend the reach and commercial value of sports through distribution, audience engagement and monetisation.
AI and Vertical Storytelling Gain Momentum
Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the market. UTOPAI Studios CEO Cecilia Shen and CJ ENM Studios’ Ken Oh led the opening MIP AI Headliner, examining how AI is reshaping production and creating opportunities to bring local stories to international audiences.
The MIP AI Entertainment Forum explored practical applications of the technology across the content industry. CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker also chose MIPCOM to launch his Cinemalistics AI app, highlighting the growing engagement of established creative professionals with AI-driven tools.
Vertical storytelling and microdrama attracted attention as well, with established entertainment companies and emerging specialists exploring new production and distribution models.
“These are not simply new communities sitting alongside the traditional market,” Smith said. “We are bringing them here to create new business opportunities for the core industry.”
World Premieres and International Talent
MIPCOM 2026 also welcomed a wide range of international talent, including Stephen Fry, Christie Brinkley, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Adrian Dunbar, Lauren Lyle, Stephen Amell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and writer Steven Moffat.
The market’s world premiere screenings included FIFTH SEASON’s Honey and Beta Film’s Queen Silvia, while FOX and Fremantle brought Baywatch to Cannes.
The 14th Women in Global Entertainment Power Lunch, co-hosted with A+E Global Media and The Hollywood Reporter, featured actress Angie Harmon and bestselling author Elizabeth Day. The event brought together senior female executives from across the international entertainment industry.
MIPJUNIOR Examines the Future of Children’s Content
Held ahead of the main market, MIPJUNIOR brought together more than 600 participants for meetings and discussions on the changing landscape of children’s entertainment.
Research from Glance examined evolving viewing habits, while Ampere Analysis reported that SVOD orders for children’s television had fallen by more than half since 2022.
More than 20 public broadcasters also took part in an invitation-only meeting focused on closer collaboration in animation. Presentations from Disney Kids & Family, Animaj and YouTube Kids explored the roles of established IP, digital audiences, creator partnerships and emerging production models.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, MIPCOM Cannes is positioning itself as a meeting point for both the established international content business and the companies shaping its next phase. The market will return from October 18–21, 2027, with a continued focus on connecting content, technology and new commercial opportunities.
Click here to read our MIPCOM 2026 issue.
