Hamptons Film Festival Taps ‘I Play Rocky’ for 2026 Opening, Honors Lord and Miller

The Hamptons International Film Festival is rolling out the red carpet for its 34th edition this October, kicking things off with Peter Farrelly’s ‘I Play Rocky’ and celebrating filmmaking powerhouses Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Running October 2-12, 2026, across New York’s East End, the festival will showcase a diverse slate of contemporary films, premieres and filmmaker tributes.

Farrelly’s ‘I Play Rocky’ will premiere on the East Coast at the festival’s opening night, with star Anthony Ippolito earning a FLYTE Breakthrough Performer Award for his role. The selection sets an ambitious tone for the 11-day event, which will feature narrative and documentary films, spotlight selections, centerpiece screenings and short films.

The festival’s biggest honor will go to Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who are receiving the Achievement in Directing Award. The duo is being recognized for their work on Project Hail Mary, the sci-fi blockbuster starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and James Ortiz that has become Amazon MGM Studios’ highest-grossing film.

The directing partnership behind Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street will participate in a special conversation on October 3, giving audiences a chance to hear directly from the filmmakers about their creative process.

Actor and filmmaker Bob Balaban will receive the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award on October 11. His storied career includes roles in Gosford Park, Moonrise Kingdom, Best in Show and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, along with directing work across film and television.

Balaban’s ties to the Hamptons run deep he’s a longtime East End resident and serves on the HamptonsFilm board.

The festival is also shining a light on emerging voices. Jordan Firstman takes the FLYTE Breakthrough Director Award for Club Kid, while Rosalind Eleazar earns a FLYTE Breakthrough Performer Award for her work in Chris Rock’s Misty Green.

Five world premieres are on deck, including Barbizon, The Drug in Our Pocket, Kingdom Fungi, Maman Bibi Coco and Not Dead Yet.

HamptonsFilm’s awards have handed out nearly $5 million in support throughout its history. This year, the festival is distributing $196,500 in cash, goods and services to winners across competition categories and special honors recognizing filmmaking excellence and social impact.

With ‘I Play Rocky’ leading the charge and major honors recognizing both Hollywood veterans and emerging talent, the 2026 Hamptons International Film Festival is positioned as a crucial gathering spot for the film industry’s established names and rising stars alike.