BYD and Mediawan Launch “Build Your Dream Award” at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions, partnered with Mediawan, one of Europe’s leading independent studios, to launch the first edition of the “Build Your Dream Award” during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Created to support emerging filmmaking talent and spotlight the next generation of cinematic storytellers, the award will recognize the best debut feature film released in French cinemas over the past 12 months.

The initiative reflects a shared vision between BYD and Mediawan centered around creativity, innovation and international collaboration. A shortlist of 15 international films from around the world has been selected by Thierry Chèze, Editor-in-Chief of Première Magazine, while the winning film will be chosen by an international jury made up of influential figures from the global film industry.

The winner of the inaugural Build Your Dream Award will be announced on May 14, 2026, during a special event in Cannes. The selected filmmaker will receive a trophy designed by Parisian designer Victoria Wilmotte alongside a €40,000 grant.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, highlighted that the award reflects BYD’s “Build Your Dreams” philosophy by creating opportunities for emerging creatives and giving new talent a platform to shine globally.

The jury is chaired by internationally acclaimed Chinese director Chen Kaige, winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or, and includes renowned names from the film industry such as Mélanie Laurent, Hafsia Herzi and Yann Demange.

Through the Build Your Dream Award, BYD continues to expand its commitment to creativity and innovation beyond the automotive world, supporting the future generation of filmmakers on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.