FocusFest Celebrates The Yearners, The Fearful and The Moments That Shape Us
Hosted by Justin Sylvester, FocusFest 2026 brought three curated film collections to life.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for another FocusFest this past Saturday on the iconic Universal Studios lot.
We had the best time celebrating FocusFest 2026 with a full day of films, immersive experiences, exclusive merch, special guests, and unforgettable moments inspired by the stories we love. From screenings and post-film conversations to one-of-a-kind activations, FocusFest 2026 brought the world of Focus Features beyond the screen and into real moments with each of you!
FocusFest 2026 took place on October 10, 2026 on the historical Universal Studios backlot.
FocusFest 2026
Following the Sense and Sensibility screening, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles joined FocusFest attendees for a special Q&A moderated by FocusFest host Justin Sylvester.
Esmé Creed-Miles and Daisy Edgar-Jones pose in front of the Sense and Sensibility floral backdrop.
Step in to the world for the yearners at FocusFest.
A picture-perfect Sense and Sensibility moment at FocusFest.
An attendee shares her prize -- a FocusFest poster signed by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
FocusFest host Justin Sylvester readies to giveaway an Obsession scriptbook, signed by director Curry Barker himself.
Obsession director Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson pose for a photo with FocusFest host Justin Sylvester.
Obsession director Curry Barker at FocusFest.
Cooper Tomlinson and Obsession director Curry Barker at Barker's Pub as Malcolm Kelner (Obsession bartender) preps a drink behind the bar.
The Holdovers brought Christmas to FocusFest.
Attendees grab the accordion to recreate Lydia Tár's iconic rendition of 'Apartment for Sale' at FocusFest 2026.
Not Mr. Darcy but...
A closer look at the props and costumes of Nosferatu.
A little something to make your own at FocusFest 2026 - bag charms for the yearners.
A closer look at the costumes of Sense and Sensibility at FocusFest 2026.
Fans stopped by to bring home the FocusFest 2026 collection.
Complimentary embroidery for your FocusFest tote.
The F-Stop celebrates its return to FocusFest 2026!
Step inside the F-Stop at FocusFest 2026.
FocusFest is ready to share our Obsession.
What's the verdict: cat?
Sit for a portrait and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake from FocusFest 2026.
This year's featured curated screening series included:
For The Fearful and the Fearless
A celebration of the films that dared audiences to confront what frightens us, from gothic terror and supernatural horror to the darker corners of the human imagination. Featuring Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, and Curry Barker’s Obsession, the program moved from atmospheric horror to genre-bending thrills and dark comedy.
For The Yearners
Stories of romance, longing and the complications of the heart took center stage in this program, bringing together three films about the desires we struggle to express and the choices that stand between people and the lives they want. Featuring Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice, Autumn de Wilde’s EMMA. and an early advance screening of Georgia Oakley’s highly anticipated fresh take on Sense and Sensibility with special guests, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
For The Moments That Shape Us
A collection of films about the experiences, relationships and unexpected turning points that transform us. From the exacting world of Todd Field’s TÁR and the unlikely bonds at the center of Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers to an early advance screening of Elsinore from Simon Stone and starring Andrew Scott, the program explored the moments that challenge who we are and who we become.
Special thanks to our wonderful host Justin Sylvester, special guests Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, Obsession director Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson.
Photos by Eric Charbonneau @lestudiophoto
