Cannes standing ovations: which films got the loudest love (and lived up to it)?
'Fahrenheit 9/11' (2004)
Above Controversial, polarising and a Cannes Palme d'Or winner
Cannes reception: The standing ovation for Michael Moore's polarising documentary about the events that led up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks reportedly clocked in at 20 minutes. The documentary took home the Palme d'Or—Cannes' highest honour—becoming only the second documentary ever to do so.
Post-Cannes performance: It made history at the box office, becoming the highest-earning documentary ever with over US$222 million in box-office receipts globally. Controversies and detractors aside, it fuelled political discourse and reshaped how audiences and filmmakers engaged with the documentary genre. 'Sentimental Value' (2025)
Above This Cannes favourite is already being called one of the best movies of the year
Cannes reception: Earning a reported 19-minute standing ovation, Joachim Trier's Norwegian-language family drama made a powerful impression at this year's festival. Not only did it secure the third-longest ovation on record, it also took home the coveted Grand Prix—Cannes' second-highest honour.
Post-Cannes performance: How it does beyond Cannes has yet to be seen, but critics are already calling it one of the best films of the year. Winning the Grand Prix has also secured its chances for worldwide release and positioned it as a strong contender for future awards season. 'Mud' (2012)
Above 'The McConaissance' started at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
Cannes reception: Jeff Nichols' moody coming-of-age tale—often described as having echoes of Mark Twain and starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon—earned an impressive 18-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere.
Post-Cannes performance: The indie film was well received by critics and performed respectably at the box office, earning US$32 million worldwide against a reported US$10 million budget. It's also widely credited for what's been called 'The McConaissance'—Matthew McConaughey's comeback and shift to more serious roles. After Mud , he starred in other critically acclaimed projects including Dallas Buyers Club , Interstellar and True Detective . 'The Neon Demon' (2016)
Above Praised for its stunning visuals, criticised for its weak plot
Cannes reception: The polarising psychological horror film about the dark side of the modelling industry from director Nicolas Winding Refn was met with a 17-minute standing ovation at Cannes.
Post-Cannes performance: The movie's reception was as divisive as it was at Cannes. While some praised its striking visuals and star Elle Fanning's electric performance, many found the plot paper-thin and the violence unnecessarily excessive.
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