Cannes [France], May 22: Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier’s latest feature Sentimental Value received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, setting a new record for this year’s longest applause, according to Variety.
The emotional moment saw actress Elle Fanning, who plays a major role in the film, visibly moved as she wiped away tears and embraced Trier amid a standing crowd that celebrated both her performance and Trier’s directorial brilliance.
Sentimental Value, a comedy-drama, outshone the previous ovation record of 11.5 minutes held by Julia Ducournau’s infection-themed film Alpha.
The enthusiastic reception has sparked speculation that Sentimental Value may be a leading contender for the coveted Palme d’Or this year.
Clearly moved by the warm reception, Trier addressed the audience with emotion, expressing gratitude for the support. “I’m very moved,” he said, pausing to collect himself. “Many of us struggled for years to make this film. What’s that Buñuel quote? ‘I make films for my friends?’ I feel you’re all my friends tonight.”
Co-written with Trier’s longtime collaborator Eskil Vogt, Sentimental Value centers on sisters Nora and Agnes as they reconnect with their estranged father Gustav, a once-celebrated filmmaker. When Gustav offers stage actress Nora a role in his comeback project and she declines, he casts a rising young Hollywood actress instead—forcing the family to confront deep-seated tensions and emotional complexities.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Cory Michael Smith.