u/Greedy-Preference707

Hi everyone,

I’m attending the Festival de Cannes this year with an accredited press badge as a journalist, and I’m trying to understand how the ticketing system actually works.

Every morning, when reservations open at 9:00 AM, many screenings (especially Lumière / competition / premieres) already appear unavailable almost instantly. In some cases, it feels like they’re gone the second booking opens.

I’m wondering:

• Is this normal for press badge holders?
• Are there different priority levels even within press accreditation?
• Are seats allocated in advance to higher-tier badges, distributors, PR agencies, or partner organizations before the public reservation window opens?
• Do PR/publicists control separate ticket allocations for their films?
• Is standby / last-minute access a realistic option for accredited press?
• Are there unofficial strategies experienced Cannes attendees use to access premieres or red carpet screenings?

I’m not complaining — just genuinely trying to understand how the system works, because right now it feels almost impossible to secure certain screenings through the official portal alone.

Any insight from experienced Cannes attendees, journalists, or industry guests would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!