Norwegian Filmmaker Joachim Trier’s Reunion Film Receives Record-Breaking Longest Standing Ovation at Cannes, Sparking Palme d’Or Speculation.
The record-breaking standing ovation for “Sentimental Value” has solidified its position as a frontrunner for the Palme d’Or award. Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier’s feature film, which follows sisters navigating their complicated family dynamics with an American starlet in the middle of it, received a 15-minute ovation at Cannes on Wednesday evening. The crowd applauded wildly past the late hour of 1 a.m., leaving both Trier and actress Renate Reinsve visibly moved.
Trier’s speech was met with applause, as he expressed his gratitude to the audience, stating that many in the film had struggled for years to make it. He also referenced Buñuel’s quote about making films for friends, which resonated deeply with him. The ovation exceeded the 11.5 minutes of applause that French director Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha” received earlier in the festival.
The film’s meta plot pokes fun at the film industry, as seen in a scene where Skarsgård’s character is acquired by Netflix and responds to a past box office flop with “Get out.” The cast includes Reinsve, Trier, Skarsgård, Cory Michael Smith, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Trier co-wrote the script with frequent collaborator Eskil Vogt.
“Sentimental Value” is not Trier’s first Cannes selection. He first appeared in 2011 with his second feature “Oslo, August 31st,” followed by a Palme d’Or competition with “Louder Than Bombs” in 2015 and another strong outing with “The Worst Person in the World” in 2022. The latter won Reinsve the festival’s award for best actress and received Oscar nominations for best international feature and screenplay.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sentimental-value-palme-buzz-cannes-ovation-1236391955