James Gray’s sixth film at the Cannes Film Festival, Paper Tiger, drew a ten-minute standing ovation tonight in its world premiere at the Grand Theatre Lumiere.

Among those leading the applause were Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore and director Pawel Pawlikowski. A visibly-moved Gray stopped to acknowledge the crowd, thanking them for being the driving force behind keeping cinema alive.

Taking the mic, Gray told the crowd, “There’s much more gray now in the beard, not just the name, but the beard. And I have learned finally to appreciate. But more I appreciate you, without you, there is no cinema, cinema needs you. And cinema needs you guys more than ever. Really. This is really an important time and Cannes is so important for that reason and you are important for that reason. So, it moves me greatly to see you here in this theater where I have many great memories. And I love you all, what can I say, I’m going to leave soon, so I can hide.”

The movie, starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and Miles Teller, follows two brothers who pursue the American Dream but get entangled in a dangerous Russian mafia scheme that terrorizes their family. Bonds are tested and betrayal boils.

Driver and Teller were in attendance. Johansson was not.

The last time Gray was here was in 2022 with his personal Armageddon Time. He received a five-minute standing ovation and delivered a teary, heartfelt speech at the premiere. This time he encouraged the crowd to clap longer, jokingly pointing to his watch as he looked up to the audiences in the rafters.

Paper Tiger was literally announced at last year’s Cannes market. The movie was a late in-competition addition to the festival line-up. Soon after, NEON, which has a streak of winning Palme d’Ors here, took U.S. rights. Other previous Gray Cannes world premieres include 2013’s The Immigrant, 2008’s Two Lovers, 2007’s We Own the Night and 2000’s The Yards. The critically-acclaimed filmmaker has yet to take home a Cannes prize.