Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme Earns 6.5-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes
The movie is set for theatrical release on May 30, 2025
Wes Anderson’s film The Phoenician Scheme premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation lasting approximately 6.5 to 7.5 minutes.
During this emotional reception, lead actress Mia Threapleton was visibly moved and sobbed, embracing co-star Michael Cera amidst the applause.
Mia Threapleton is emotional during the Cannes standing ovation of Wes Anderson’s ‘THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME’
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) May 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Lu9hlW6sYf
Wes Anderson and the cast of his new film, #ThePhoenicianScheme – including Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch and Bill Murray – are applauded into the Lumiere theater for its #CannesFilmFestival premiere pic.twitter.com/4H1dJlD6dO
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 18, 2025
The film is an espionage black comedy featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and others. Threapleton plays Sister Liesl, the daughter of a wealthy European tycoon played by del Toro.
The film marks a significant role for Threapleton, who is the daughter of Kate Winslet, and her emotional response at Cannes reflects the importance of this moment in her career.
The Phoenician Scheme is Wes Anderson’s fourth film to premiere at Cannes, continuing his celebrated presence at the festival.
Wes Anderson’s #ThePhoenicianScheme is a sharp espionage black comedy that won’t change your mind about him—but fans will enjoy it. Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and especially Michael Cera shine. Gorgeous sets, funny, and thought-provoking! #Cannes2025 #CannesFilmFestival pic.twitter.com/ZRFNdNTGn4
— Owen Wilczek (@OwenFilmCritic) May 18, 2025
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME is a cold, distanced political farce that taps into noir-esque geopolitical anxieties in a parody of godless wealth. Part adventure part character study, there’s a sad friction between Anderson’s whimsical style and the external noise infiltrating the magic. pic.twitter.com/7qYVnmpxO1
— Danny Jarabek (@dtjcinema) May 18, 2025
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME is, as per the course for Wes Anderson, a visual feast with elaborate set designs, and characteristically quirky with eccentric characters & witty dialogue, but ultimately one of his weaker films. Still, because it’s Wes Anderson, if you're already a fan, it… pic.twitter.com/NEXo7O5yRX
— Matt Neglia @Cannes (@NextBestPicture) May 18, 2025
The Phoenician Scheme – The craziest modern Wed Anderson film yet! Kooky oligarch business deal mania + spy thriller comedy + family drama all rolled into one funky fun narrative. Enjoyed it! Wes Anderson still cooking but with totally different ingredients nowadays. #Cannes2025 pic.twitter.com/5sIqXfwce1
— Alex B. @ #Cannes2025 (@firstshowing) May 18, 2025
The movie is set for theatrical release on May 30, 2025, shortly after its Cannes debut.
First trailer for Wes Anderson’s ‘THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME’.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 7, 2025
Starring Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch, & Richard Ayoade. pic.twitter.com/SvVEfp54BA
