SXSW just added a fresh wave of Featured Sessions for the 2026 Film and TV Conference and Innovation Conference, and the lineup reads like a collision between Hollywood, tech, and big ideas that actually matter. The 40th edition of the festival runs March 12 through March 18 in Austin, bringing more than 600 sessions focused on storytelling, technology, culture, and creative leadership.
On the Film and TV side, some of the biggest conversations will center around the people shaping modern television and comedy. Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn will headline a deep dive into the creative world behind Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and the upcoming Apple TV series Pluribus. Larry David and Jeff Schaffer will preview their new HBO historical sketch comedy project while discussing their creative process on stage. Fans of comedy television will also want to keep an eye on the Cast and Creators on HBO’s ROOSTER session featuring Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses, Steve Carell, and Danielle Deadwyler.
Jamie Lee Curtis is also set to take the stage for a career focused conversation that blends personal reinvention with creative risk taking. Expect this one to draw a serious crowd given her reputation for being brutally honest and surprisingly funny during live talks.
Innovation Conference Featured Sessions
The Innovation Conference continues to lean into future-facing topics with sessions that stretch far beyond traditional tech panels. Nothing CEO Carl Pei will discuss the next evolution of consumer technology, while former USPTO director Michelle K Lee will tackle the real world impact of AI on creators and businesses. A conversation led by Marcus Luttrell, Dr. Gul Dolen, Bryan Hubbard, and former Texas Governor Rick Perry will explore the growing push for medical research into ibogaine and its potential role in addiction treatment.
SXSW is also spotlighting advocacy and social impact through conversations like The Guardian in Conversation with Mahmoud Khalil on the cost of dissent, reflecting the festival’s continued focus on voices shaping larger cultural conversations.
SXSW Badge Holder Reservations
New for 2026, badge holders can reserve select sessions in advance using the SXSW schedule or the SXSW GO app. Platinum badge reservations open February 19 at 9 AM CT, followed by Innovation, Music and Film and TV badge holders on February 26 at 9 AM CT. Walk-up lines will still be available for those who miss reservations.
The festival also announced its Community Service Award honorees including HousingWorks Austin, Last Prisoner Project, The Bell, Vision Maker Media, and DAWA, recognizing local and national organizations making meaningful impact through advocacy, journalism, and creative work.
SXSW 2026 takes place March 12 through March 18 across Austin. Full session details and updates are available at sxsw.com.
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