Ari Aster’s latest film, Eddington, made a spectacular debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, earning a remarkable five-minute standing ovation that left lead actor Joaquin Phoenix deeply moved to tears. The emotional premiere was a high point of the festival, with co-stars Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler joining Phoenix on the red carpet, all basking in the film’s warm reception.
Eddington, a contemporary Western set during the tense early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, captivated audiences with its portrayal of a power struggle in a small New Mexico town. Joaquin Phoenix stars as the local sheriff locked in a fraught standoff with the town’s mayor, played by Pedro Pascal. The film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and community fracture as neighbors turn against one another amid rising tensions.
Director Ari Aster, visibly touched by the ovation, expressed heartfelt thanks in a humble, almost overwhelmed speech, calling the experience a “dream come true.”
Adding to the night’s glamour was the notable presence of Angelina Jolie, who made a dazzling return to Cannes in a stunning strapless golden embellished gown, drawing significant attention.
Overall, Eddington was widely praised for its timely narrative and powerful performances, setting a high bar for the rest of the festival and confirming Ari Aster’s continued prowess as a filmmaker.
