Joaquin Phoenix Moved by Nearly 7-Minute Ovation at Cannes Premiere of Eddington

At the Cannes Film Festival, Ari Aster's new film "Eddington," a psychological western set during the Covid-19 pandemic, received a prolonged standing ovation lasting between five and seven minutes, during which lead actor Joaquin Phoenix became emotional. The film, starring Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, explores themes of political and societal tension in a small New Mexico town amid the pandemic, including a mayoral race and the influence of a cult leader, with a backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests. Reviews praised the film's ambitious thematic scope, though some noted that not all elements fully coalesced. Aster, making his Cannes debut, expressed gratitude and excitement during the premiere. Despite some audience members leaving before the film's end, the reception was largely positive, and "Eddington" is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release in July. This project follows Aster's previous works, including "Hereditary," "Midsommar," and "Beau Is Afraid," continuing his focus on intense, often dark narratives.