Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut Premieres at NYFF 2026

Jesse Eisenberg’s new film The Debut premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 7 with a gala screening at Alice Tully Hall.
Eisenberg wrote, directed and stars in the film, continuing his move behind the camera. The cast includes Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey and Bernadette Peters.
The film is produced by Emma Stone’s Fruit Tree banner and will be released by A24, a combination that has festival audiences expecting awards-season contention.
Early reactions from the premiere praised the ensemble performances, with particular attention on the interplay between Eisenberg and Moore.
The Debut marks another step in Eisenberg’s evolution from actor to auteur. His previous directorial efforts drew notices for their sharp dialogue and anxious, character-driven storytelling. Festival programmers have long championed Eisenberg’s work, and the Alice Tully Hall crowd gave the premiere a warm reception that bodes well for its theatrical run.
The film opens in theatres on December 11, positioning it squarely in the year-end awards corridor.
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