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Will Sharpe just lent his voice to a groundbreaking achievement. In two days, his animated film ‘In Waves’ becomes the first animated feature ever to open Cannes Critics’ Week in the festival’s 65-year history.
🔥 Quick Facts
- World Premiere: May 13, 2026 at Cannes Critics’ Week in France
- Voice Cast: Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu lead the English-language version
- Historic First: The first animated film to open the 65-year-old Critics’ Week in its history
- Creator: Director Phuong Mai Nguyen adapted AJ Dungo’s acclaimed graphic novel
A Love Story Rides the Waves
In Waves tells a star-crossed romance set in California’s surfing world. The film follows two young lovers, a skateboarder and a surfer, whose relationship transcends life’s biggest challenges. Will Sharpe voices one lead role while Stephanie Hsu anchors the other, creating an intimate emotional core.
The story draws inspiration from AJ Dungo’s real-life love story. Dungo’s original graphic novel blended surfing history with deeply personal themes of love and resilience. The animated adaptation expands this vision into a feature-length cinematic experience that celebrates both the ocean and human connection.
Will Sharpe voices lead in ‘In Waves’ animation opening Cannes Critics’ Week
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Breaking 65 Years of Animation Taboo at Cannes
Industry observers called this moment historic. Cannes Critics’ Week, the festival’s independent sidebar, has never opened with an animated feature in its entire existence. In Waves shatters that barrier, signaling fresh acceptance for animation in prestigious festival spaces.
Director Phuong Mai Nguyen made her debut with this ambitious project. The French-Belgian co-production runs 1 hour 31 minutes and merges French animation craftsmanship with California surfer aesthetics, creating visual contrast that critics anticipate will resonate strongly at the festival.
Voice Acting Takes Center Stage in Animation’s Evolution
| Element | Details |
| Release Date | May 13, 2026 |
| Festival | Cannes Critics’ Week (La Semaine de la Critique) |
| Language Version | English and French |
| Directors | Phuong Mai Nguyen |
| Runtime | 1 hour 31 minutes |
Will Sharpe’s involvement marks a natural fit for the actor. Known for dramatic television work including Flowers, Defending the Guilty, and recent projects, Sharpe brings emotional depth to voice acting. Stephanie Hsu, celebrated for her stage and screen performances, adds nuanced vocal texture to complement the animated character development.
“In Waves is the first animated film in the 65-year history of Cannes Critics’ Week to open the sidebar, marking a major moment for animation at prestigious festivals.”
— Cannes Film Festival, Official Selection Announcement
What Makes This Moment Matter for Animation
Animation has long fought for recognition at top-tier film festivals dominated by live-action prestige productions. In Waves arriving as an opening film validates animation’s storytelling power at the highest levels. Production companies including Silex Films and Panique invested significantly in this creative vision.
French animation tradition meets contemporary emotional storytelling in this project. The visual direction and voice performances create an experience that transcends typical festival programming. Industry insiders predict strong critical reception given the combination of celebrated voice talent and directorial clarity.
Will We See a New Beginning for Animated Features at Cannes?
The May 13 premiere answers big questions about animation’s future at prestigious festivals. If In Waves resonates with critics and the Cannes jury, future programming decisions may shift dramatically. Animation festivals have thrived for decades, but mainstream festival recognition has remained elusive for feature-length animated works.
Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu will travel to Cannes for the premiere, joining director Phuong Mai Nguyen in celebrating this historic screening. How audiences respond to their vocal performances and Nguyen’s directorial choices could influence festival selection boards worldwide for years ahead.
Sources
- Deadline – In Waves clip announcement with voice cast details and Cannes Critics’ Week confirmation
- The Hollywood Reporter – Cannes Critics’ Week lineup and animated feature selection information
- Screen Daily – Festival programming guide with production company and director background
