James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ Receives Enthusiastic 10-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes Premiere
James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ Receives Enthusiastic Reception at Cannes Film Festival
James Gray premiered his sixth film, Paper Tiger, this evening at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving an impressive ten-minute standing ovation at the Grand Theatre Lumiere.
Prominent figures in attendance, including Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, and director Pawel Pawlikowski, led the applause. An emotional Gray acknowledged the audience’s warmth and expressed gratitude for their role in sustaining the art of cinema.
“This is really an important time and Cannes is so important for that reason, and you are important for that reason,” Gray said, reflecting on his appreciation for the crowd. “Without you, there is no cinema. Cinema needs you—more than ever.”
Gray’s remarks included a touch of humor about his aging, noting, “There’s much more gray now in the beard,” before thanking the audience for their continued support.
Paper Tiger, featuring stars Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller, tells the story of two brothers chasing the American Dream while becoming entangled in a perilous Russian mafia scheme that threatens their family. Themes of loyalty and betrayal permeate the film.
Both Driver and Teller attended the premiere, although Johansson was notably absent.
Gray’s previous appearance at Cannes was in 2022 with Armageddon Time, which garnered a five-minute ovation. This year, he encouraged the audience to applaud longer, playfully checking his watch as he engaged with attendees in the upper tiers of the theater.
Paper Tiger was announced at last year’s Cannes market and was a late addition to the festival lineup this year. NEON acquired U.S. rights shortly thereafter, continuing its successful track record at Cannes. Gray has previously premiered several films at the festival, including The Immigrant in 2013 and We Own the Night in 2007, though he has yet to win an award there.
