Ethan Hawke Opens Deauville Film Festival With ‘Last of Us’

Ethan Hawke headlines the 52nd American Film Festival in Deauville on Sunday, opening the event with a screening of his new feature, “The Last of Us,” on the Normandy coast. The festival, held at the historic Grand Casino de Deauville, attracts over 200,000 visitors each year and serves as a key platform for American cinema in Europe. Hawke’s presence draws attention to the festival’s lineup of 30 films, ranging from indie dramas to major studio releases, and signals a renewed focus on contemporary storytelling.

The festival began in 1974 as a modest gathering of American filmmakers and has grown into a major cultural event on the French film calendar. It is known for showcasing first‑time directors, offering retrospectives of classic Hollywood, and providing a space for industry networking. Deauville’s seaside setting and reputation for glamour make it a popular destination for film lovers. Hawke’s participation reflects the festival’s tradition of featuring high‑profile talent to boost attendance and media coverage. His new film, produced by HBO Max, is one of the few American projects to debut at the festival this year, underscoring the event’s role in bridging the Atlantic film market.

The festival will run for a week, with daily screenings, panel discussions, and a Q&A with Hawke and the film’s director on Tuesday. A special awards ceremony on Saturday will honor emerging filmmakers, while the closing gala on Monday will celebrate the best of the festival’s selection. Organisers expect the event to boost tourism in Normandy