James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ to Open 2026 New York Film Festival

Filmmaker James Gray is bringing his latest crime drama back to his hometown. His new film, Paper Tiger, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller, will open the 64th New York Film Festival on September 25, 2026, at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center.

The selection puts Paper Tiger at the center of the upcoming awards season and marks Gray’s return to New York with what he calls one of his most personal films.

Set in 1986 New York City, Paper Tiger follows brothers Gary and Irwin Pearl as they chase the American Dream. Their ambitions pull them into the world of Russian organized crime after they become involved in an illegal toxic waste dumping operation in Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal. Gray combines an intimate family drama with a gripping crime thriller while drawing inspiration from his childhood and experiences growing up in New York during the 1980s.

Adam Driver leads the cast alongside Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller. Critics praised the film’s atmospheric storytelling and emotionally rich performances after it premiered in competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it earned strong early acclaim.

The 64th New York Film Festival will run from September 25 to October 12, 2026, and continues to serve as one of the industry’s most influential launchpads for Oscar contenders. With Gray’s acclaimed direction, a star-studded cast, and a compelling story rooted in New York’s criminal underworld, Paper Tiger has already emerged as one of the most anticipated films of 2026 and a strong contender in the upcoming awards race.