France and Italy provide awards-season prognosticators an early look into whether or not they’ll be discussing a film for the better part of the following year. Both the Cannes Film Festival in May and the Venice Film Festival in August inspire their audiences to take in films through their eyes, and then let their appreciation funnel out through their hands – in long standing ovations that can feel loaded with significance. 

93 years ago, the Venice Film Festival was founded as part of La Biennale di Venezia, an exhibition of arts in Venice. The intention was to celebrate international cinema and, according to an article in L’Officiel, “cultivate freedom within the industry.” Cannes, founded in 1946, is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and was said to be created in response to Venice’s festival, which they contend had a fascist bias. Now considered to be two of five major festivals (the others being Berlin, Sundance, and Toronto), they remain the only two known for their marathon rounds of applause from rapturous audiences.

While a comprehensive record of standing ovation times doesn’t seem to exist, there appears to be an uptick of recording their lengths around 2019, and trades often disagree about the specific times. Although not every film that receives this kind of adulation is successful at snagging trophies or winning over the box office crowds, it’s often taken as an indication that something more is in store. Below are some examples from IndieWire, Vulture, and the Los Angeles Times.

2026 Venice
Naza: 24.5 minutes

2026 Cannes
La Bola Negra: 20 minutes

2025 Venice
The Voice of Hind Rajab: 22 minutes

2025 Cannes
Sentimental Value: 19 minutes

2024 Venice 
I’m Still Here: 10.3 minutes

2024 Cannes
Megalopolis: 7 minutes

2019 Cannes
Joker: 8 minutes

2016 Cannes
The Neon Demon: 17 minutes

2015 Cannes
Carol: 10 minutes

2012 Cannes
Mud: 19 minutes

2011 Cannes
The Artist: 12 minutes

2006 Cannes
Pan’s Labyrinth: 20 minutes

2004 Cannes
Fahrenheit 9/11: 20 minutes