Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great wins five-minute standing ovation at Cannes premiere

Scarlett Johansson made a notable impact at the Cannes Film Festival with her feature directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, which competed in the Un Certain Regard section. The film, starring June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman, was met with a five-minute standing ovation following its screening on Tuesday.

Johansson, accompanied by her agent and CAA CEO Bryan Lourd, expressed her excitement about premiering the film at Cannes, calling it “a dream come true.” Her husband, Saturday Night Live co-anchor Colin Jost, attended the event solo and mingled with Sony Pictures Classics executives Tom Bernard and Michael Barker. The event also drew Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody and his partner Georgina Chapman, who engaged in conversation with Jost.

In her introduction, Johansson highlighted the film’s heartfelt themes, saying, “When you make a film that’s an independent film like this, no one’s doing it for the money—surprise, surprise. Everyone came together because they loved the story and the script. It’s a film about friendship, grief, and forgiveness—topics we can all use more of today.”

Eleanor the Great centers on Squibb’s portrayal of Eleanor Morgenstein, a witty and fiercely independent 94-year-old woman who copes with a profound loss by telling a story that takes on a life of its own. After the screening, Johansson embraced Squibb in a heartfelt hug, later calling her “truly inspiring.” She also praised Kellyman as “an absolute revelation” and expressed excitement for audiences to discover her work.

Describing the film as “historic and very timely,” Johansson encouraged viewers to carry its message with them, emphasizing the emotional depth and relevance of the story.

In addition to directing Eleanor the Great, Johansson is also part of the star-studded cast of Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, which is also featured at Cannes this year. Johansson has previously attended the festival multiple times, including for Anderson’s Asteroid City in 2023 and Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and Match Point (2005).

Eleanor the Great was produced by Johansson alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn for These Pictures; Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum for Pinky Promise; and Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler for Maven Screen Media. Wayfarer Studios co-financed the film with Content Engineers, Pinky Promise, and MacPac. Executive producers include Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Andrew Calof, Ezra Gabay, and Raj Kishor Khaware.