French fashion brand AMI has been announced as the new main sponsor of Cannes Critics’ Week, replacing Nespresso which supported the section for close to 15 years.

Launched by the French Union of Film Critics in 1962, the parallel Cannes section showcases first and second features, as well as shorts, by emerging talents, occasionally showcasing directorial debuts from more established cinema names.

High profile selections of recent years have included Charlotte Wells’ multi-award-winning, father and daughter drama Aftersun, Belgian 2025 Oscars entry Belgium Julie Keeps Quiet and Malaysian breakout Tiger Stripes.

Under the new partnership with AMI, the section’s international jury will award Le Grand Prix AMI Paris to one of the seven movies in competition this year.

Founded in Paris in 2011 and taking inspiration from its French capital home, AMI takes its name from the initials of Alexandre Mattiussi, its founder and creative director.

“Cinema is one of my greatest passions, along with fashion. The AMI Paris Critics’ Week Grand Prix is ​​a fantastic opportunity to celebrate emerging talent and young filmmakers. Through this award, AMI and I are honored to be able to encourage their creativity and help them launch their careers,” said Mattiussi.

The section’s Delegate General Ava Cahen welcomed the new partnership: “Each year, Critics’ Week supports emerging filmmakers from around the world and celebrates their brilliant debuts. Sharing this same passion for discovering and supporting new talent with AMI Paris and Alexandre Mattiussi is particularly exciting.”