Marco Perego, the esteemed film producer and husband of actress Zoe Saldaña, has expressed his astonishment following a remarkable triumph at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2026. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Perego reflected on the surreal nature of his experience, particularly since two of the three films he produced garnered the festival’s top accolades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/marco-perego-cannes-060226-bec9065ad65d43acbd95ff878306477c.jpg)
The Italian-born Perego, who is 47 years old, made waves at Cannes by becoming the first producer ever to have three films featured in the main competition of the festival. These include the highly anticipated *Fjord*, starring Sebastian Stan, and *Minotaur*, directed by acclaimed Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev. The films received significant recognition, with *Fjord* winning the coveted Palme d’Or and *Minotaur* securing the Grand Prix. This extraordinary accomplishment positions Perego as a prominent figure in the film industry, especially as the awards season approaches.
“Very surreal. Very grateful and very surreal,” he said when asked to describe his feelings post-festival. The success of these films not only highlights his burgeoning career in film production but also sets a high bar for future projects within the competitive landscape.
Before embarking on his journey in filmmaking, Perego had a background in soccer and worked as an artist. His foray into film production began in the 2010s, with his directorial debut coming relatively recently in 2023 with *The Absence of Eden*, a film that also featured Saldaña. Reflecting on his transition into the film industry, Perego noted the influence of his athletic background. He likened the collaborative effort of filmmaking to team sports, describing the importance of shared vision and discipline within his production company, Leaf Entertainment.
“For me, as a soccer player, it’s about the collective. Victory is not just about the individual but about the team,” he explained. This ethos of teamwork and support for creative talents forms the backbone of how he operates within the film industry. Perego emphasised the importance of collaboration amongst producers and directors to bring captivating stories to life.
Perego’s passion for cinema is palpable. He cites a lifelong admiration for influential filmmakers such as Federico Fellini, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Stanley Kubrick as pivotal to his development as a producer. He is particularly focused on championing independent filmmaking, an endeavour he believes is crucial during a time when such endeavours face increasing challenges due to the dominance of major Hollywood studios. “I consider independent filmmaking completely endangered at the moment,” he stated, citing financial instability as a barrier for many filmmakers who seek to deviate from mainstream funding sources.
His current project, *Fjord*, has drawn considerable attention, particularly for Stan’s transformative performance. Perego describes Stan’s acting as “brave,” reflecting a significant evolution from his earlier roles, including a past portrayal of Donald Trump. The film tells the story of a religious couple navigating tension as they settle in Norway, exploring complex themes of community and belonging.
In a week that has undoubtedly felt like a whirlwind, Perego’s success at Cannes appears to be sinking in gradually. “By the way, I can’t believe that I won. Look at me. I can’t believe that I won,” he shared, underscoring the magnitude of this achievement amidst a vibrant and competitive film festival.
As the dust settles after Cannes, Perego’s journey is just beginning. With his sights set on further elevating independent cinema, he aims to continue supporting visionary filmmakers who share his passion for storytelling. The film industry may have gained a new powerhouse in Marco Perego, whose commitment to culture and creativity is both inspiring and essential in these times.