Hamaguchi’s ‘All Of A Sudden’ earns 11-minute ovation at Cannes, emerges as Palme d’Or frontrunner

Cannes: Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi has emerged as a major Palme d’Or contender after his latest drama All Of A Sudden received an emotional 11-minute standing ovation Friday night at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival — the longest audience response of the festival so far.

The 3-hour-and-16-minute film, the longest title in this year’s main competition, reportedly left audiences openly weeping during its closing moments inside the Grand Palais. Hamaguchi appeared visibly emotional as the applause continued. Stars Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto were seen wiping away tears on stage during the ovation.

All Of A Sudden marks Hamaguchi’s return to the Cannes competition following his 2021 entry Drive My Car, which won Best Screenplay. The new film’s reception places it among the early favorites for the Palme d’Or, with the jury set to announce winners on May 24.