Joaquin Phoenix Breaks Down in Tears With Emma Stone After 7-Minute Standing Ovation for Eddington at Cannes
In one of the most emotional highlights of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix was visibly moved to tears following a powerful seven-minute standing ovation for his latest film, Eddington, directed by Ari Aster. The film’s premiere took place on Friday and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments on the Croisette.
Phoenix, 50, stood quietly on stage as the thunderous applause echoed through the Palais, sharing the moment with his co-stars Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler, alongside writer-director Ari Aster. The raw emotion caught on camera—particularly Phoenix’s tear-filled eyes—was captured in a video released by Vanity Fair, which quickly went viral across social media.
Ari Aster’s First Cannes Appearance Leaves Him Speechless
Taking the microphone after the extended ovation, Aster appeared stunned and humbled.
“I feel very privileged to be here,” he told the Cannes crowd. “It’s a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me… and, I don’t know — sorry? I don’t know.”
Despite his modesty, the moment marked a major milestone for the director known for Hereditary and Midsommar, as Eddington is his first feature to debut at Cannes.
Eddington: A Modern Western Set During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Described as a modern Western infused with dark comedy, Eddington takes place in a fictional New Mexico town in the year 2020, amid the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns.
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Pedro Pascal plays the town’s by-the-book mayor who enforces strict mask mandates.
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Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of a rebellious sheriff who refuses to wear a mask, citing asthma.
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Emma Stone portrays the sheriff’s wife, who struggles with severe mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma.
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Austin Butler plays a narcissistic social media influencer who claims his experience as a victim of sex trafficking gives him authority to comfort others.
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Clifton Collins Jr. appears as a homeless man whose violent outburst during a Black Lives Matter protest leads to a viral arrest video and accusations of police brutality.
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Michael Ward joins the ensemble in a supporting role.
The film’s provocative themes and intense characters have divided critics but undeniably sparked conversation.
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Emma Stone’s Red Carpet Bee Encounter Steals the Spotlight
Off-screen, another viral moment unfolded on the Cannes red carpet. While posing for photos with Pascal and Butler, Emma Stone had a hilarious and slightly chaotic run-in with a rogue bee.
As the bee buzzed uncomfortably close, Stone’s shocked facial reaction caused her co-stars to burst into laughter. Butler tried (unsuccessfully) to blow the bee away—sending it even closer—while Pascal eventually waved it off and dramatically wrapped Stone in his arms in mock rescue mode. The charming moment added levity to an otherwise serious premiere night.
Later, Stone also suffered a minor wardrobe hiccup, but once again, Butler came to the rescue, further endearing the trio to fans and photographers.
Early Reviews Are Mixed — But Buzz Is Undeniable
Critics offered a range of opinions following the Cannes premiere:
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Deadline’s Damon Wise described Eddington as “a big swing,” noting that not all the elements connect, but praising its boldness and commentary on the post-COVID era.
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The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney was more critical, calling it “a distancing slog” and claiming the film lacks the suspense and comedy it attempts to blend.
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The Independent’s Kevin E.G. Perry, on the other hand, declared Eddington “Ari Aster’s funniest film to date,” highlighting its biting satire, layered cast, and clever visual moments—particularly those involving Black and Native American characters reacting deadpan to the chaos around them.
Release Date and What’s Next
Eddington is set for theatrical release on July 16, 2025, giving audiences around the world a chance to weigh in on the film’s bold tone, controversial plotlines, and emotionally raw performances.
With awards season on the horizon and the buzz from Cannes still building, Eddington is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about—and potentially polarizing—films of the year.
