May 17, 2025: The Cannes Film Festival turned emotional and electric during the premiere of Ari Aster’s latest film, Eddington, as the audience erupted into a heartfelt five-minute standing ovation. The COVID-era Western, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal, made a powerful debut, marking a significant milestone for Aster and the entire cast.
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The film’s premiere drew a packed house at the Palais des Festivals, where viewers responded with resounding applause. Among the most visibly moved was Joaquin Phoenix, who was brought to tears during the ovation, overwhelmed by the audience’s reaction.
Director Ari Aster, known for his critically acclaimed horror films Hereditary and Midsommar, appeared both stunned and grateful. “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what you think. Sorry, I guess? Thank you, I guess?” he said, eliciting laughter and further applause from the crowd. He later added, “I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me,” according to Variety.
Set in May 2020, Eddington explores the social and political unrest of a small New Mexico town as it grapples with the early days of the pandemic. Phoenix plays a troubled sheriff who becomes entangled in a tense standoff with the town’s mayor. The narrative dives deep into America’s pandemic-era psyche, touching on themes of division, paranoia, and conspiracy.
The ensemble cast includes not only Phoenix and Stone but also Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, and Clifton Collins Jr., making Eddington one of the most anticipated and star-studded entries at Cannes this year.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 18, and is expected to stir further conversation with its bold narrative and poignant performances.