Summary Sanam shared that she would pay tribute to legendary Pakistani film icon Shamim Ara
(Web Desk) - Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed is set to make her debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2026, marking a major milestone for Pakistan’s entertainment industry on the global stage.
The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is being held from May 12 to 23, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.
Sanam’s participation will go beyond red carpet appearances, as she has been named one of the inaugural honorees of Us Studios’ “South Asian Women Excellence in Cinema & Global Art” initiative, aimed at recognising the contributions of women in cinema and creative arts across South Asia.
Ahead of her Cannes appearance, Sanam shared that she would pay tribute to legendary Pakistani film icon Shamim Ara, praising her lasting influence on the country’s film industry.
“Her life didn’t follow the usual arc of rise, fall, and fade. It was something rare — rise, dominance, reinvention, legacy,” Sanam said in a video shared on her official Instagram account.
She further highlighted Shamim Ara’s role in breaking barriers for women in the entertainment industry, saying the veteran actor and filmmaker “quietly broke the biggest boundaries, opening doors for women behind the camera.”
The announcement received praise from several Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, who congratulated Sanam and expressed pride over her achievement. Actor Maya Ali also appreciated Sanam’s decision to honour Shamim Ara, while Kinza Hashmi and other stars extended their support and congratulations.
Actors including Zara Noor Abbas, Ghana Ali, Nadia Hussain and Hareem Farooq also lauded Sanam ahead of her Cannes debut.
