The Impact of Standing Ovations: Highlights from Cannes 2024
The Cannes Film Festival, widely recognized in the cinematic world, once again was at the center of a tradition that sparked both fascination and debate: the standing ovation. This tradition is often a topic of discussion among industry professionals and fans alike, with some viewing it as a genuine display of appreciation and others questioning its authenticity.
Love it or hate it, the duration of applause at the end of a film screening has become a memorable and much-debated marker of a film's reception. "It reduces a movie to a single data point," lamented one indie executive to The Hollywood Reporter, yet, that data point sticks.
There's no one way to measure these ovations, as critics and professionals might start their stopwatches at the light's cue and end them at various points, but the enthusiasm is undeniable. Whether it's Nicolas Cage rallying the crowd for "The Surfer!" or the emotional pull of a narrative, every second of standing acclaim speaks volumes.
The Champions of Ovation at Cannes 2024
"The Substance" directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore, led the pack with a triumphant 13-minute standing ovation. The film tells the story of a celebrity who turns to a black-market drug to rejuvenate herself, sparking fascination and horror.
Following closely, "Emilia Pérez", graced with an 11-minute applause, is a musical comedy weaving the tale of a lawyer's unconventional journey to assist a cartel boss. This film not only stars but also showcases the raw emotional depth of Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña.
"Horizon: An American Saga", brought to life by Kevin Costner, captures the essence of the Old West with a 10-minute ovation. This Western epic boasts a tale of settlers and Indigenous peoples during the Civil War era.
Sebastian Stan dives into the role of a young Donald Trump in "The Apprentice", receiving 8 minutes of applause for its portrayal of Trump's rise under attorney Roy Cohn's influence.
"Megalopolis", possibly Francis Ford Coppola’s magnum opus, envisions a utopian New York with a 7-minute standing ovation. The science fiction drama posits hope post-disaster.
Also at 7 minutes, "Bird" hovers with a story of adventure and attention in the life of Bailey, living in northern Kent with her family's unconventional lifestyle under the shadow of her father, Bug.
George Miller’s "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "Kinds of Kindness", each with a 6-minute ovation, alongside "The Surfer", starring Nicholas Cage, conclude the list of films that left the audiences on their feet the longest.
More Than Just Applause
Beyond the spectacle of ovation lengths, Cannes 2024 reminded us of the power of storytelling and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses. Whether it’s for the craft, the message, or the sheer excitement for the team behind the film, each moment of standing applause echoed a shared connection, making the annual Cannes Film Festival a memorable event in cinematic history each year.
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