Telluride wanted James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' for 2026 but lost it to New York Film Festival's opening night

Festival director Julie Huntsinger told Variety that Telluride wanted James Gray's "Paper Tiger" for its 53rd edition (Sept. 4–7, 2026) but did not secure it, because most involved believed the New York Film Festival's opening night was the stronger platform — a decision shaped by the awards-season calendar that follows each autumn festival.