Denver Film Festival Sets Opening, Closing Films and 2026 Honorees

The Denver Film Festival has announced its 2026 lineup bookends, with Peter Farrelly's "I Play Rocky" screening as the opening night feature and James Gray's "Paper Tiger" serving as the closing film. The selections frame a program that continues the festival's tradition of showcasing both established and emerging voices in cinema.

Festival organizers also revealed this year's honorees, a diverse group spanning acting, directing, and experimental filmmaking. Carrie Coon, John Cho, Liz Sargent, Fred Hechinger, Benedetta Porcaroli, and sound editor David Acord will receive recognition alongside experimental filmmaker Michael Gitlin, highlighting the festival's commitment to multiple disciplines.

The annual event remains a key stop on the fall festival circuit, offering Denver audiences access to acclaimed international and domestic features before their wider release. Screenings and tribute events for the honorees will take place throughout the festival's run in the Colorado capital.

This brief draws on reporting from The Hollywood Reporter.