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Steven Spielberg will appear as a keynote speaker at the 2026 conference on March 13 in a live taping of “The Big Picture” podcast alongside host Sean Fennessey, organizers announced Thursday. The appearance lands as SXSW marks four decades in Austin, with this year’s festival scheduled for March 12–18.
Spielberg’s session is expected to cover his decades-long career, the state of theatrical moviegoing and his upcoming film “Disclosure Day,” a thriller set for release in June.
The booking reinforces the festival’s pivot toward industry-defining names in an increasingly crowded festival field. Spielberg’s filmography — from “Jaws” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to “Jurassic Park” and “Schindler’s List” — helped define both the modern blockbuster and prestige cinema.
Spielberg joins a lineup of recognizable names. Among them: Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn discussing the afterlife of “Breaking Bad”-era storytelling; Larry David and Jeff Schaffer previewing a new HBO comedy; and a panel featuring Steve Carell and Danielle Deadwyler tied to the upcoming series “ROOSTER.”
Beyond the conference stage, the film and TV lineup includes 118 feature films, 88 of them world premieres, alongside 72 shorts, 20 music videos, nine television projects and 30 XR experiences.
Opening night on the TV side will spotlight “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” an Apple TV series starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer, while the film program is anchored by Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters,” featuring Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield.
Other narrative features include films starring Vince Vaughn and James Marsden, as well as genre entries like “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.”
The documentary slate continues SXSW’s focus on contemporary culture and politics, with projects examining everything from viral videos and policing to music criticism and climate change. International titles round out the program, including “Campeón Gabacho” from Jonás Cuarón.
Badges for SXSW 2026 are already on sale at the festival’s website, with pricing that reflects the festival’s tiered access model.
Film & TV badges are currently priced at $1,170, while Platinum badges cost $1,995. Innovation badges are listed at $1,395 and Music badges at $820. For those primarily interested in concerts, music wristbands are available for $149 and offer secondary access to showcases.
