What’s the Secret Behind Those 20-Minute Film Festival Ovations?

The phenomenon of excessively lengthy standing ovations at film festivals, particularly the Venice Film Festival, raises questions about the true value of such applause. While audiences may cheer for up to 15 minutes, critics argue these extended displays often reflect more about the event's atmosphere than the film's quality itself.

Last updated: 05 October 2025 (BST)

Understanding the Standing Ovation Phenomenon

Standing ovations are a longstanding tradition at film festivals, acting as a public display of appreciation for filmmakers and their works. However, in recent years, the duration of these ovations has become a point of contention, with some suggesting they are a poor measure of a film's worth. The Venice Film Festival has witnessed some of the most extreme cases, with audiences applauding for lengths that can exceed 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Standing ovations at film festivals are often longer than ever, with audiences clocking up to 15 minutes.
• The length of applause has become a contentious issue among critics and fans.
• There is no agreed-upon method for measuring standing ovations, leading to discrepancies in reported times.
• Factors such as star presence and audience enthusiasm can artificially inflate ovation lengths.
• While some films receive lengthy applause, this does not guarantee their quality or future success.

The Context of Venice's Standing Ovations

This year, the Venice Film Festival showcased remarkable standing ovations for films like The Smashing Machine and The Testament of Ann Lee, each receiving around 15 minutes of applause. Dwayne Johnson and Amanda Seyfried were visibly moved during these moments, with both expressing emotional responses that resonated with the audience.

However, the applause is not always a sign of a film's merit. For instance, Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein received just under 13 minutes of ovation. Despite the emotional reactions, the correlation between applause duration and film quality is questionable.

The International Tradition of Ovations

Venice is not alone in this trend. The Cannes Film Festival has a long history of lengthy standing ovations, often exceeding ten minutes. The Grand Théâtre Lumière, with its 2,000-seat capacity, fosters an environment where extended applause can easily occur. In contrast, Venice's Sala Grande, which seats just over 1,000, offers a more intimate yet equally time-consuming experience.

The Role of Audience and Context

Standing ovations are often influenced by the atmosphere of the festival and the presence of stars. As noted by producer Cassian Elwes, every film tends to receive a standing ovation at Cannes, regardless of its critical reception. This phenomenon can dilute the significance of such applause.

Audiences may cheer not only for the film but also for the event itself, contributing to the length of the ovations. Factors such as the film’s premiere status, the glamour of the event, and the emotional investment of the audience all play a role in how long applause lasts.

The Measurement Dilemma

There is significant inconsistency in how standing ovations are measured. Different outlets have various methods for starting and stopping the clock, leading to discrepancies in reported times. For example, The Hollywood Reporter starts timing when the audience stands, while others might begin at different moments, such as when the credits roll or the house lights come up.

This lack of standardisation raises questions about the reliability of reported ovation lengths. Discrepancies were evident at Cannes last year when films like Emilia Pérez and The Substance competed for the title of longest ovation, with reports varying widely.

Manipulation of Ovation Lengths

There are concerns that some standing ovations may be artificially inflated. Directors are often given the microphone to speak after a screening, which can extend the applause as they engage the audience. This can lead to situations where the genuine reception of the film is overshadowed by the performance of the audience and the filmmaker.

For example, during the premiere of The Room Next Door in 2024, conflicting reports on the ovation length emerged due to the stars’ enthusiastic participation in the applause. Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore helped rally the audience, creating an atmosphere that encouraged extended clapping.

Factors Influencing Standing Ovations

Several elements can contribute to the length of a standing ovation. These include:

• Star Power: The presence of well-known actors can enhance the audience's emotional response.
• Film Genre: Certain genres elicit stronger emotional reactions, influencing applause duration.
• Cultural Context: The festival's atmosphere and audience demographics can shape how long applause lasts.
• Filmmaker Engagement: When directors engage with the audience, it can lead to extended ovations.

Are Long Ovations Indicative of Quality?

While some films have received lengthy ovations and gone on to achieve critical acclaim, such as Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, this is not a universal rule. Conversely, films like Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon received considerable applause yet faced walkouts and critical backlash. This indicates that applause duration does not reliably predict a film's success or quality.

Furthermore, Andrea Arnold’s remarks after the Cannes premiere of Bird suggested that not all filmmakers encourage prolonged applause, as she expressed a desire to move on quickly after a seven-minute ovation.

The Cultural Significance of Standing Ovations

Despite the criticisms surrounding their reliability, standing ovations remain an integral part of the film festival experience. They serve to celebrate the art of filmmaking and acknowledge the hard work that goes into creating cinematic experiences. However, audiences should be cautious about equating the length of applause with the quality of the films being celebrated.

In conclusion, the tradition of lengthy standing ovations at film festivals like Venice will likely persist. Yet, as audiences and critics navigate this phenomenon, it’s essential to approach these displays of appreciation with a discerning eye. The next time a film garners a record-setting ovation, consider the context and remember that applause alone does not define a movie's cinematic value.

FAQs

What is a standing ovation and how long do they typically last?

A standing ovation is a gesture of appreciation where the audience stands and claps, often lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, with some festivals recording times exceeding 15 minutes.

Why do standing ovations occur at film festivals?

Standing ovations occur as a way for audiences to express their appreciation for filmmakers, actors, and the overall experience of watching a film, often influenced by the festival atmosphere and star presence.

Are longer standing ovations a sign of a good film?

No, longer standing ovations do not necessarily indicate a film's quality. Many factors influence the duration of applause, and the reception can vary widely regardless of the applause length.

How are standing ovations measured?

Standing ovations are measured differently by various media outlets, leading to inconsistencies. Timing can start at different points, such as when the credits roll or when the audience stands.

Can standing ovations be manipulated?

Yes, standing ovations can be influenced by factors such as star participation and director engagement, which may artificially extend the length of applause beyond genuine audience appreciation.