The Cannes Film Festival recently featured a deeply emotional moment when Eddington, the latest film by director Ari Aster and actor Joaquin Phoenix, premiered to loud applause. The audience at the premiere gave the film a five-minute standing ovation, showing strong appreciation for the cast and crew, according to Variety.
Phoenix moved to tears, Aster overwhelmed
Joaquin Phoenix became emotional during the applause. He was seen wiping away tears while standing alongside his co-stars. Director Ari Aster looked visibly humbled and unsure of how to respond. He told the audience, “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what you think. Sorry, I guess? Thank you, I guess?”
Later, expressing his gratitude, he added, “I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me.”
Set during COVID, with a star-studded cast
Eddington is a modern-day Western that takes place in May 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The story follows a dramatic clash between a town’s sheriff and mayor in Eddington, New Mexico. This tension-filled standoff leads to rising political and social conflict in the small community.
The film features a powerful ensemble cast. In addition to Joaquin Phoenix, it includes Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, and Clifton Collins Jr.
Theatrical release set for July 18
Eddington is scheduled to release in theatres on July 18. The film also marks Ari Aster’s return to the Western genre, bringing a new twist to traditional themes by placing them in a recent historical setting.
Major moment for Aster at Cannes
The film’s warm reception at Cannes marks an important achievement for Aster, who gained fame through his earlier critically acclaimed films Hereditary and Midsommar. The standing ovation confirmed Eddington as another significant step in his growing career as a filmmaker.
