Legendary Actress, 95, Receives Standing Ovation in Colorful Cannes Appearance
Yes, she’s 95. Yes, she walked the red carpet. And yes, she absolutely stole the show.
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, one moment had everyone on their feet—and it wasn’t just for the film. Legendary actress June Squibb, now 95, received a powerful five-minute standing ovation after the screening of Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson’s much-anticipated directorial debut.
A Career That’s Still Going Strong at 95
Let’s just take a second to appreciate this: not only is June Squibb still acting, but she’s also leading films, gracing red carpets, and redefining what it means to age in Hollywood. Appearing alongside Scarlett Johansson and Erin Kellyman, Squibb proved she’s not just an icon—she’s unstoppable.
In a bold move that delighted fans and photographers alike, Squibb walked the red carpet using a cane, ditching her usual wheelchair. Wearing a vibrant floral kimono paired with black pants, she held hands with her co-stars, smiling proudly as the cameras flashed. A day earlier, she charmed audiences in a floral black gown during the film’s official screening.
What Is Eleanor the Great About?
In Eleanor the Great, Squibb plays the title character—a widow who leaves her home in Florida for a fresh start in New York City after the passing of her best friend. The storyline is heartfelt, funny, and deeply relevant:
“Making new friends at ninety proves difficult.”
Through her grief and a quest for connection, Eleanor befriends a 19-year-old student—offering a touching tale of intergenerational friendship, healing, and hope.
Why Did the Film Get a Standing Ovation?
Part of the buzz at Cannes wasn’t just about the film’s emotional depth—it was about who told the story and how it was told. Scarlett Johansson, in her directorial debut, called the premiere “a dream come true.”
She described the film as:
“A story about friendship, grief, and forgiveness—all themes the world could use more of right now.”
With Chiwetel Ejiofor, Erin Kellyman, and Squibb herself delivering powerhouse performances, Eleanor the Great feels like more than just a film—it feels like a cultural moment.
June Squibb: The “Reluctant Icon”
Despite her incredible career, Squibb remains humble. In a refreshingly candid moment, she once told The Hollywood Reporter:
“If I’m called ‘icon’ one more time, I’m going to scream.”
She added, “A 70-year-old will say, ‘I want to be you when I grow up!’”—a testament to how her legacy is inspiring audiences across generations.
Squibb’s career began in 1959 with a Broadway debut in Gypsy. She earned an Oscar nomination in 2013 for Nebraska and took on her first leading action role just last year in Thelma.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
At an event known for glitz and glamour, June Squibb reminded the world that talent, heart, and resilience never age. Whether you’ve followed her career for decades or are just discovering her now, one thing is clear: she’s not just Eleanor the Great—she’s June the Great.
Quick Summary (Perfect for Featured Snippets):
June Squibb, 95, received a standing ovation at Cannes 2025 for Eleanor the Great. The film, directed by Scarlett Johansson, highlights themes of friendship and grief. Squibb walked the red carpet in style, proving age is just a number in Hollywood.
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