Scarlett Johansson has made a significant impact at the Cannes Film Festival with her feature directorial debut, Eleanor the Great. This film is competing in the Un Certain Regard section and has already garnered critical acclaim, receiving a five-minute standing ovation on Tuesday. The film features notable performances from acclaimed actors June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman, marking a strong start for Johansson's directorial journey.
During the screening, Johansson was accompanied by her powerful agent, Bryan Lourd, who is also the CEO of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Her husband, Colin Jost, the anchor of "Weekend Update," attended the event solo, engaging in conversation with executives from Sony Pictures Classics, Tom Bernard and Michael Barker. The atmosphere was lively, with reigning best actor Oscar winner Adrien Brody and his partner Georgina Chapman also present, enjoying discussions with Jost.
Introducing her film, Johansson expressed her excitement about premiering Eleanor the Great at Cannes, stating, “It’s really a dream come true.” She emphasized the passion behind independent filmmaking, noting, “When you make a film that’s an independent film like this, no one’s doing it for the money — surprise, surprise.” She highlighted the dedication of everyone involved, who came together because they were drawn to the story and the script.
Eleanor the Great explores profound themes such as friendship, grief, and forgiveness, which Johansson believes are especially relevant today. The film tells the story of 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, portrayed by June Squibb, who embarks on a narrative journey following a significant personal loss. As the story unfolds, it takes on a life of its own, showcasing the complexities of human emotions.
After the screening concluded with enthusiastic applause, Johansson embraced Squibb in a heartfelt hug that lasted several moments. She described her lead actress as “truly inspiring” and praised Erin Kellyman as an “absolute revelation,” expressing her eagerness for audiences to discover her talent. Johansson remarked, “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.”
This year, Johansson is on double duty at Cannes, also starring in Wes Anderson’s highly anticipated film, The Phoenician Scheme. She is no stranger to the festival, having previously attended for Anderson’s Asteroid City in 2023, as well as for Woody Allen’s films Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008 and Match Point in 2005.
Johansson produced Eleanor the Great alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn for These Pictures, and Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum for Pinky Promise. The film also saw contributions from Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler of Maven Screen Media. Co-financed by Wayfarer Studios, the project also had support from Content Engineers, Pinky Promise, and MacPac. Executive producers include Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer Studios, along with Ezra Gabay and Raj Kishor Khaware on behalf of Content Engineers.
