May 22, 2025
22 Minutes of Applause: Pan’s Labyrinth Sets Cannes Record
In 2006, Pan’s Labyrinth received a 22-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere the longest in the festival's history
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film intertwines a young girl's escapist fantasies with the harsh realities of post-Civil War Spain
Del Toro described the prolonged applause as overwhelming, recalling how fellow director Alfonso Cuarón encouraged him to "allow yourself to be loved"
The film garnered widespread acclaim, winning three Academy Awards and being named the best-reviewed film of the decade by Metacritic
With a modest budget of $14 million, Pan’s Labyrinth grossed over $83 million worldwide, demonstrating its global appeal
In the U.S., the film earned $55 million from DVD sales and rentals, highlighting its enduring popularity
The 22-minute standing ovation remains unmatched, solidifying the film's place in Cannes history
Pan’s Labyrinth masterfully combines elements of myth and fairy tales with the grim backdrop of war, creating a poignant narrative
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