Ira Sachs' Cannes Movie 'The Man I Love' Starring Rami Malek Boarded by MK2 Films

The film, which stands as the sole American feature set for the Cannes competition, reveals its first look.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Indie cinema champion MK2 Films has boarded Ira Sachs' 'The Man I Love,' one of the hotly anticipated movies set to world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which is the sole American feature currently slated to compete for a Palme d'Or, stars Oscar winner Rami Malek and is set in the vibrant era of late '80s New York.

Why it matters

Sachs' films are known for their emotional precision, intimacy, and deep humanity, and the involvement of MK2 Films, a company with an impressive awards season track record, suggests that 'The Man I Love' is poised to be a standout entry in the Cannes competition lineup.

The details

Co-written by Sachs and longtime collaborator Mauricio Zacharias, 'The Man I Love' tells the story of Jimmy George, an actor facing death, who takes on what may be his last great role. Filled with music, color and passion, the drama paints a picture of a group of artists and friends for whom creativity has become a form of survival. The cast is completed by Tom Sturridge, Rebecca Hall, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and newcomer Luther Ford.

  • The Man I Love is set to world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.

The players

Ira Sachs

The director of The Man I Love, known for his emotionally precise and intimate films.

Rami Malek

The Oscar-winning actor who stars in The Man I Love.

MK2 Films

The French production and distribution company that has boarded The Man I Love, known for its impressive awards season track record.

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What they’re saying

“'The Man I Love' felt like the undeniable moment for us to jump in on a collaboration with a director we have long admired.”

— Fionnuala Jamison, Managing Director, MK2 Films

“The film brings together everything that makes Ira's cinema so distinctive – its emotional precision, its intimacy, its deep humanity – and opens it up in a way that feels both expansive and deeply moving.”

— Fionnuala Jamison, Managing Director, MK2 Films

“To be working with this thoughtful and experienced team on a film as personal as this gives me both comfort and pleasure.”

— Ira Sachs

What’s next

The Man I Love is set to world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026, where it will compete for the Palme d'Or.

The takeaway

Ira Sachs' latest film, 'The Man I Love,' starring Rami Malek, is poised to be a standout entry in the Cannes competition lineup, with the involvement of the acclaimed production company MK2 Films suggesting the film will showcase Sachs' signature emotional depth and cinematic artistry.