How This Low-Budget Film Got The Longest Standing Ovation In Cannes History

Did you know about the movie that made history by getting a 22-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival?

Okay, so this one’s a litmus test for all the movie buffs. We all know the Cannes Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the world. After every movie screening, the public and critics alike give their feedback on the particular films. One of the famous methods to know if the film is good is by measuring the amount of time the film gets a standing ovation. These days, standing ovations of 7-9 minutes are becoming increasingly common. But did you know there was a film in 2006 that received prolonged applause for a total of 22 minutes?

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro presented his Spanish-language film El laberinto del fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth in English) in 2006 at the Cannes Film Festival. It was a dark fantasy movie directed and co-produced by Del Toro. The interesting part, however, is that the film was made with a meagre budget of $14 million! 

About The Film

The film stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, and Ariadna Gil. In total the film grossed $84 million worldwide, surpassing its initial production budget with ease. Pan’s Labyrinth was also one of the best-selling films on home entertainment, grossing $55 million just from DVD sales in the US. The movie went on to win three Oscars and has also been snagged a spot in several lists about the 100 best films of all time.

Also Read: Cannes 2025: Homebound Ft Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor Getting 9-Min Standing Ovation Has Karan Johar Teary-Eyed!

Plot For Pan’s Labyrinth

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film that follows an 11-year-old girl named Ofelia. It’s 1944, and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers is sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are led by Captain Vidal and with him are his new wife Carmen and her daughter Ofelia. Ofelia witnesses her stepfather’s brutality and is drawn into Pan’s Labyrinth, a magical world of mythical creatures.

 

Guillermo’s Reaction

In an Interview with GQ, Guillermo recalled his experience of the 22-minute standing ovation. Reminiscing about the time, the director said that it’s hard to describe the feeling. In the first few minutes, you’re bathed in a sort of realm of acceptance and joy. Ten minutes in, you don’t know what to do. Guillermo also recalled how veteran actor Alfonso Cuarón told him to allow himself to be loved and appreciate the moment.

Also Read: Cannes Film Festival 2025: Sharmila Tagore, Simi Grewal Are Epitome Of Grace On The Red Carpet!

First Published: May 22, 2025 3:16 PM