The 78th Cannes Film Festival is off to a fiery start, and Ari Aster’s Eddington just lit up the Palais des Festivals. On May 16, 2025, the contemporary Western, billed as a bold riff on COVID-era America, premiered to a five-minute standing ovation that left its star, Joaquin Phoenix, visibly moved. With tears in his eyes, Phoenix stood alongside co-stars Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal, soaking in the crowd’s fervent applause. Here’s why this moment—and the film itself—is making waves.
A Star-Studded Premiere with Raw Emotion
Eddington, Aster’s first Cannes entry, arrived with sky-high expectations. The A24-produced film boasts a killer ensemble, with Phoenix as Joe Cross, a maverick sheriff in a fictional New Mexico town, clashing with Pedro Pascal’s mayor, Ted Garcia. Set in May 2020, the story dives into the chaos of the early pandemic, weaving in themes of fake news, cults, and political division. Emma Stone plays Louise, Joe’s wife grappling with past trauma, while Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, and Michael Ward round out the cast with standout supporting roles.
The premiere was a spectacle. As the credits rolled, the Grand Théâtre Lumière erupted in applause, with some reports claiming the ovation stretched closer to seven minutes. Phoenix, no stranger to Cannes after winning Best Actor in 2017 for You Were Never Really Here, was overcome. Posts on X captured the moment, with fans praising his raw vulnerability. Emma Stone and Austin Butler were also spotted getting emotional, while director Ari Aster, ever the quirky showman, joked to the crowd, “I don’t know what you think. Sorry, I guess? Thank you, I guess?”
A Polarizing Take on America
Eddington isn’t your typical Western. Aster, the mind behind Hereditary and Midsommar, crafts a dark comedy-thriller that skewers modern America with a vengeance. The film takes aim at everything from vaccine skepticism to Pizzagate conspiracies, with Phoenix’s mask-averse sheriff embodying a flawed, rebellious spirit. Critics call it a “state-of-the-nation” satire, blending Coen Brothers-esque humor with neo-noir grit.
The response was mixed but passionate. The Independent’s Kevin EG Perry dubbed it Aster’s “funniest film,” praising its sharp comic details and Michael Ward’s deadpan brilliance as a Black deputy. Deadline’s Damon Wise called it a “big swing,” noting its view of COVID as the “Big Bang” that reshaped America. But not everyone was on board. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney found it neither suspenseful nor funny enough, calling it a “distancing slog” at 2 hours 29 minutes. Up in the Palais’ rafters, at least 20 attendees slipped out during the screening, and more bolted as the credits neared, suggesting the film’s provocative edge didn’t click with all.
Why the Ovation Matters
Cannes ovations are a ritual, but five minutes is no small feat. While not record-breaking—Pan’s Labyrinth holds the festival’s longest at 22 minutes—it signals Eddington’s ability to strike a chord. For Phoenix, the moment was personal. His intense preparation, including studying rural sheriff dynamics, poured into a role that’s both chaotic and heartfelt. The ovation wasn’t just for him; it celebrated Aster’s bold vision and a cast that delivered across the board. Cinematographer Darius Khondji’s stark desert visuals and a pulsing score by Bobby Krlic and Daniel Pemberton added to the film’s hypnotic pull.
What’s Next for Eddington?
With a U.S. theatrical release set for July 18, 2025, A24 is banking on Eddington to rebound from Aster’s last film, Beau Is Afraid, which flopped despite critical praise. Trailers are already teasing the film’s tense standoffs and biting satire, with Phoenix’s unmasked sheriff squaring off against Pascal’s by-the-book mayor. The Cannes buzz, plus a Palme d’Or contender status, gives it a strong awards-season shot.
For Aster, Eddington marks a new chapter. After skipping festivals with Midsommar and Beau Is Afraid, his Cannes debut has put him front and center. For Phoenix, Stone, and Pascal, the emotional premiere only amps up their Oscar buzz. And for audiences? Brace for a wild ride that’s as divisive as it is unforgettable.
Source: Variety