Steven Spielberg to Keynote South by Southwest 2026

The 'Disclosure Day' director will discuss his body of work and upcoming thriller.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Legendary film director Steven Spielberg will appear as a keynote speaker at South by Southwest 2026, the festival announced on Thursday. Spielberg, whose alien-themed thriller "Disclosure Day" is due in theaters in June, will join Sean Fennessy on March 13 for an episode of "The Big Picture" to discuss his body of work, the future of his filmmaking and moviegoing, and what went into his latest project.

Why it matters

Steven Spielberg is a true pioneer and legend in the film industry, having directed some of the most iconic and influential movies of all time. His appearance at SXSW 2026 is a major coup for the festival, as it will allow filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans alike to gain insights into Spielberg's creative process and the future of the medium.

The details

SXSW Vice President of Film & TV Claudette Godfrey said, "Childhood dreams do come true. Steven Spielberg is a true pioneer and legend whose seminal work has inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. He's given us some of cinema's most formative, unforgettable, and magical experiences, always pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen." Spielberg is just one of the big names headed to SXSW next month, with others including Vince Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, Larry David, Jeff Schaffer, Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses, Steve Carell, and Danielle Deadwyler.

  • SXSW 2026 will run from March 12-18 in downtown Austin.
  • Spielberg's appearance is scheduled for March 13.

The players

Steven Spielberg

A legendary film director known for directing iconic movies such as "Jaws", "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", and "Jurassic Park".

Sean Fennessy

The host of "The Big Picture" podcast, who will interview Spielberg at SXSW 2026.

Claudette Godfrey

The Vice President of Film & TV at SXSW, who announced Spielberg's appearance at the festival.

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What they’re saying

“Childhood dreams do come true. Steven Spielberg is a true pioneer and legend whose seminal work has inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. He's given us some of cinema's most formative, unforgettable, and magical experiences, always pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen.”

— Claudette Godfrey, Vice President of Film & TV, SXSW (patch.com)

What’s next

Spielberg's alien-themed thriller "Disclosure Day" is due in theaters in June, shortly after his SXSW appearance.

The takeaway

Steven Spielberg's keynote at SXSW 2026 will be a highly anticipated event, as the legendary director shares insights into his iconic body of work and the future of filmmaking. His appearance underscores SXSW's reputation for attracting top talent in the entertainment industry and providing a platform for visionary storytelling.