Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut gets 5-minute standing ovation at Cannes – Social News XYZ
Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson made a powerful entrance into directing with her debut feature film, Eleanor the Great, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film, competing in the Un Certain Regard category, was met with a five-minute standing ovation—an emotional moment that marked a major milestone in Johansson’s career.
Scarlett Johansson Shines with ‘Eleanor the Great’
Johansson, known globally for her acting roles in films like Black Widow and Marriage Story, has now stepped confidently behind the camera. Eleanor the Great features a stellar cast including June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman.
The screening took place on May 20, 2025, at the iconic Salle Debussy theater in Cannes, France. Audience applause lasted for over five minutes, celebrating Johansson’s directorial vision and the film’s emotional depth.
“Premiering at Cannes is really a dream come true,” Johansson told the crowd.
A Story of Grief, Friendship, and Forgiveness
Johansson introduced the film as a heartfelt project made purely out of passion.
“This is an independent film. No one’s doing it for the money — surprise, surprise,” she said, receiving laughs from the audience.
Eleanor the Great follows Eleanor Morgenstein, a sharp-witted 94-year-old played by June Squibb, who finds herself telling a tale that spirals beyond her control after a personal tragedy. The film explores themes of:
- Friendship
- Grief
- Forgiveness
- Resilience in old age
Johansson emphasized the film’s emotional relevance, noting that these themes are especially significant in today’s world.
June Squibb Earns High Praise
As the lights came up and the standing ovation rang out, Johansson embraced Squibb in a long, heartfelt hug. She later described her lead actress as:
“Truly inspiring.”
She also praised Erin Kellyman, calling her an:
“Absolute revelation.”
Johansson added, “I’m so excited for the world to meet her.”
A Veteran Presence at Cannes
Scarlett Johansson is no stranger to the Cannes Film Festival. She’s appeared multiple times, including for Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” in 2023 and earlier for Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” in 2008 and “Match Point” in 2005.
In 2025, Johansson is pulling double duty. Besides promoting her own film, she’s also part of the star-studded cast in Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme”.
Behind the Scenes: Production Powerhouses
Eleanor the Great is a collaboration of several key production companies:
- These Pictures: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Lia, and Keenan Flynn
- Pinky Promise: Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum
- Maven Screen Media: Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler
- Wayfarer Studios and Content Engineers helped co-finance the film
Executive producers include Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer Studios. Ezra Gabay and Raj Kishor Khaware represented Content Engineers.
Why ‘Eleanor the Great’ Matters
Eleanor the Great stands out not just because of Johansson’s directorial debut, but also for its timely subject matter. With a strong female lead in her 90s and themes centered around emotional healing, the film is already being hailed as both historic and relevant.
“It’s a film that I feel is historic and also very timely,” Johansson said. “I hope you carry it with you the way I carry Eleanor with me.”
Final Thoughts
With rave reviews from its world premiere, a five-minute Cannes standing ovation, and a deeply human story, Eleanor the Great is poised to make a significant impact in the indie film world and beyond. Scarlett Johansson’s debut as a director shows not only her artistic range but also her commitment to storytelling that resonates across generations.
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