The movie that received 20 minutes of applause at Cannes, but still does not surpass Pan's Labyrinth

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has witnessed the moving screening of Joachim Trier’s new film, Sentimental Value, which received a 20-minute standing ovation; because yes, it is possible to applaud for that long. This recognition makes it the most applauded film of the festival in several years, positioning Trier alongside other prominent directors in the history of the event. Critics have praised the work, describing it as a hymn to the brotherhood between art and life, which has resonated with the audience present at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.

Hand Pain

However, the applause meter at Cannes has a record that still stands: Pan’s Labyrinth directed by Guillermo del Toro received 22 minutes of uninterrupted applause in 2006, remaining the most acclaimed film in the history of the festival. This masterpiece combines a dark tale with a historical backdrop, reflecting the struggle of a girl in the post-Franco war through a magical and brutal universe.

Since the premiere of Pan’s Labyrinth, the ovations have continued to be an indicator of the popular reception and critical relevance of the films. Other productions, such as Fahrenheit 9/11 and Mud, have also received prolonged applause, but none have been able to match the phenomenon achieved by Del Toro. The figures are eloquent, as while Sentimental Value has made its own history, it still lags behind in terms of recognition.

As applause becomes a thermometer of popular demand in Cannes, it is evident that Pan’s Labyrinth remains an unattainable reference, demonstrating how a fantastic fable can resonate deeply with the audience, even without its large budgets or the status of Hollywood stars. In this context, the story of Del Toro’s film stands as a lasting legacy, marking a milestone in Spanish and international cinematography.