James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' to Open 2026 New York Film Festival; Locarno Career Leopard Confirmed
Key Questions
What film will open the 2026 New York Film Festival?
James Gray's neo-noir crime thriller 'Paper Tiger' will open the 2026 New York Film Festival. The film received strong reviews at Cannes and is expected to have a fall release.
What award is James Gray receiving at the Locarno Film Festival?
Gray will receive the Career Leopard (Pardo alla Carriera) for his life's work. The honor includes screenings of 'Paper Tiger', 'We Own the Night', and 'Two Lovers'.
What is 'Paper Tiger' about?
The film is a neo-noir crime thriller set in 1986 Queens involving Russian mobsters and a corrupt ex-cop. It reinforces Gray's reputation for noir-inflected crime dramas.
Why is Locarno honoring James Gray?
The festival describes Gray as 'the Last Great Novelist of American Cinema' and cites his noir echoes in his body of work. Official details confirm the lifetime achievement award for 2026.
Has 'Paper Tiger' been screened anywhere prior to the NYFF?
It premiered at Cannes where it earned strong reviews. Additional screenings are planned as part of the Locarno tribute to Gray.
James Gray's neo-noir crime thriller 'Paper Tiger' (Russian mobsters, corrupt ex-cop, 1986 Queens) will open the 2026 New York Film Festival. Strong reviews from Cannes, fall release expected. Additionally, Locarno Film Festival will honor Gray with a Career Leopard (Pardo alla Carriera), reinforcing his stature as a novelist of American cinema and adding prestige context to his noir-inflected crime dramas. Three articles now confirm the honor with official details: screenings of Paper Tiger, We Own the Night, and Two Lovers; artistic director quotes Gray's noir echoes.