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Scarlett Johansson’s 'Eleanor the Great' Earns Standing Ovation at Cannes

The actress-turned-director debuts her first feature film, a poignant New York City drama starring June Squibb, to critical acclaim in the Un Certain Regard section.

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File photo of actors Scarlett Johansson and June Squibb talking backstage during the 97th Annual Academy Awards.
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Overview

  • Scarlett Johansson premiered her feature directorial debut, 'Eleanor the Great,' in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
  • The film, starring 95-year-old June Squibb, received a five- to six-minute standing ovation from the Cannes audience on May 20, 2025.
  • 'Eleanor the Great' tells the story of a 94-year-old widow who moves to New York City, joins a Holocaust survivors group, and faces the fallout of a fabricated story inspired by her late friend’s experiences.
  • Johansson emphasized authenticity by casting real Holocaust survivors in the film, following recommendations from the Shoah Foundation.
  • The film, co-released by Sony Pictures Classics and TriStar Pictures, is generating awards-season buzz for its emotional depth and Squibb’s standout performance.