The Longest Standing Ovations in Cannes History

A popular phenomenon observed at The Cannes Film Festival is timing the standing ovations movies receive, and celebrating those that last for several minutes. Standing ovations are an important form of recognition for artists, as they offer a powerful validation of their work. They are a tangible sign that the audience has been moved, inspired or entertained, and that the artist has succeeded in connecting with their audience on a deep emotional level. However, one can argue that they are not yardsticks to measure the quality of an artist’s work, and prolonged standing ovations might just be super awkward. Regardless, they make catchy headlines as we try to find ways to quantify art. Here are five of the longest standing ovations in the history of the Cannes Film Festival:

1. The Tree of Life (2011) – 17 Minutes

Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life is a complex and poetic exploration of the human experience, and it left audiences at Cannes spellbound. With stunning visuals and a haunting score, the film chronicles a young boy’s relationship with his father and the complexities of growing up. It received a standing ovation that went on for a staggering 17 minutes, making it one of the longest ovations in the festival's history.

2. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) – 15 Minutes

Carl Theodor Dreyer's silent masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc is a deeply spiritual and emotionally powerful film that left audiences stunned. Based on the trial of Joan of Arc, the film portrays the torment and persecution faced by the young woman with incredible emotion and drama. Regarded as one of the greatest works of cinema, when it premiered at Cannes in 1928, it received a standing ovation that lasted for 15 minutes.

3. Pulp Fiction (1994) – 8 Minutes

Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece has become a cultural phenomenon that has aged like fine wine. The film tells multiple intertwined stories that feature some of the most memorable characters in cinema history. With its iconic dialogue, killer soundtrack, and unforgettable performances, Pulp Fiction received an enthusiastic response from audiences at Cannes. When it premiered at the festival in 1994, it received a standing ovation that lasted for eight minutes.

4. La Dolce Vita (1960) – 8 Minutes

Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that explores the excesses and decadence of post-war Italian society. This Italian classic is considered one of cinema’s greatest achievements. The film follows the life of a journalist as he navigates his way through the hedonistic Roman nightlife. La Dolce Vita explores the tension between tradition and modernity and continues to captivate audiences with its iconic imagery. When it premiered at Cannes in 1960, it received a standing ovation that lasted for eight minutes.

5. Apocalypse Now (1979) – 6 Minutes

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now had a notoriously troubled production, but it resulted in a legendary film that has stood the test of time. Set during the Vietnam War, the film explores the darkness of human nature and the trauma of war. With its disturbing imagery and haunting performances, Apocalypse Now is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to shock and awe audiences. When it premiered at Cannes in 1979, it received a standing ovation that lasted for six minutes.