95-year-old June Squibb bags 5-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival

The film witnessed its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard segment of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

By Sneha Sengupta On May 20, 2025

Actor Scarlett Johansson ventured on a new role as a director with Eleanor the Great, that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival recently. The film starred the legendary 95-year-old June Squibb as the lead. The film fetched an amazing 5-minute standing ovation post the screening, as reported by Variety, featuring clips of June and Scarlett soaking the immense love.

The viral standing ovation for Eleanor the Great

It’s not every day that a 95-year-old gets a standing ovation at Cannes. Here’s June Squibb, the lead of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut ELEANOR THE GREAT, soaking up that love pic.twitter.com/geH7fxCoqD

— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2025

The film showcases the story of 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who shifts to New York City from Florida to begin afresh. Initially it is difficult for her to make friends, yet later she forms an usual bond with a 19-year-old student. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and Erin Kellyman.

“It’s not every day that a 95-year-old gets a standing ovation at Cannes. Here’s June Squibb, the lead of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut ELEANOR THE GREAT, soaking up that love,” a fan wrote. Another added, “I love her so much.” One fan commented, “A beautiful moment shared between two incredible talents on a well-deserved night.” while another termed it “long overdue.”

Director Scarlett Johansson’s reaction

Post the ovation, Scarlett showered a long, warmth-filled hug to June. As per Variety, she said with utmost pride, “It’s a film that I feel is historic and also very timely now, and so I hope that you all carry it with you the way that I carry Eleanor with me.” She also described her lead actor as ‘truly inspiring’.