Scarlett Johansson’s Directorial Debut ‘Eleanor the Great’ Lands 5-Minute Cannes Ovation as She Praises Star June Squibb as ‘Truly Inspiring’

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As I stood before the glittering crowd at Cannes this week, I couldn’t help but feel an immense sense of pride as Scarlett Johansson made a grand entrance with her directorial debut, “Eleanor the Great.” Competing in the prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, this cinematic masterpiece, featuring the remarkable talents of June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman, left us all spellbound. Indeed, the sheer talent on display was so awe-inspiring that it elicited a heartwarming five-minute standing ovation from the audience on Tuesday night.

Johansson was accompanied by her influential agent and the CEO of CAA, Bryan Lourd. Meanwhile, her husband, Colin Jost from “Weekend Update”, showed up on his own and conversed with executives from Sony Pictures Classics, Tom Bernard and Michael Barker. Adrien Brody, the current best actor Oscar winner, and his partner Georgina Chapman were also in attendance, engaging in conversation with Jost.

Introducing the film, Johansson said premiering it at Cannes is “really a dream come true.”

When creating an independent movie such as this one, you won’t find anyone doing it for the financial rewards – quite unexpectedly,” she added. “Instead, everyone involved in this project joined forces because they were deeply drawn to the story and the script. This film explores numerous aspects: friendship, loss, and forgiveness, themes that are particularly relevant in today’s world, and ones we could all benefit from seeing more of.

Eleanor the Magnificent” portrays Squibb as the feisty and headstrong 94-year-old character Eleanor Morgenstein, who, following a heartbreaking setback, weaves a story that unexpectedly spirals out of control.

Following the heartfelt conclusion of the screening, Johansson embraced Squibb in a warm, prolonged hug. Later on, she referred to her main actress as “exceptionally inspiring.” She also praised Kellyman as a “spectacular surprise” and shared that she was eager for everyone to get acquainted with her.

As the applause subsided, I shared my thoughts about this movie: “It’s a film that resonates deeply for me, both historically significant and strikingly relevant today. I fervently wish for everyone here to take it with you in the same way I carry Eleanor close to my heart.

This year, Johansson finds herself juggling tasks at Cannes, as she’s also part of the impressive ensemble cast for Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme.” Notably, Johansson is no stranger to the glamour of Cannes, having been present in previous years. She attended for Anderson’s 2023 film “Asteroid City,” and before that, she graced the festival with her presence for two Woody Allen films: “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” in 2008 and “Match Point” in 2005.

Johansson collaborated on “Eleanor the Great” with Jonathan Lia, Keenan Flynn (for These Pictures), Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum (for Pinky Promise), and Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler of Maven Screen Media.

Or simply:

Johansson made “Eleanor the Great” in partnership with Jonathan Lia, Keenan Flynn from These Pictures, Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum from Pinky Promise, and Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler of Maven Screen Media.

The movie was jointly funded by Wayfarer Studios, Pinky Promise, MacPac, and Content Engineers. Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, and Andrew Calof serve as executive producers for Wayfarer Studios, while Ezra Gabay and Raj Kishor Khaware hold these roles for Content Engineers.

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2025-05-20 17:16