I love a rigorous data-science analysis of press trends!! Well done! One other angle to explore: Does the Penske monopoly of the trades have any correlation or relevance here? Just wondering. (And maybe you’ve explored earlier) If any correlation between ovation length and running time of movie? Also, correlation with start time?? (Ie 7pm shows have longer/shorter ovations than 9pm shows).
Insightful as always, thank you Stephen. I wonder though if there is a direct connection between standing ovations at the top fests and later awards blessings. Desirable premiere tickets go mostly to top industry accreditations, who are also awards voters and will recall the good time they had when they make their choices?
Thank you Stephen for this thoughtful piece. While reading it, I remembered a theatre play I saw last night. The story was weak, and honestly, I didn’t feel like clapping. But everyone around me started applauding, and for a moment, I thought maybe I was the one who didn’t understand.
It’s the same feeling I sometimes get at film festivals, especially when the filmmakers are sitting there in the room. I think these moments are more about politeness and publicity than real emotion. Still, they do shape how people outside the festival see the film.
Have you seen Luke Barnett & Noam Kroll's Short called "Ovation"?
https://youtu.be/ZA_xugUCw6o?si=3yweFuIEhhm5rQWg
https://variety.com/2025/film/global/joaquin-phoenix-reaction-cannes-ovation-short-film-1236537184/
I love a rigorous data-science analysis of press trends!! Well done! One other angle to explore: Does the Penske monopoly of the trades have any correlation or relevance here? Just wondering. (And maybe you’ve explored earlier) If any correlation between ovation length and running time of movie? Also, correlation with start time?? (Ie 7pm shows have longer/shorter ovations than 9pm shows).
So an ovation means nothing.
Insightful as always, thank you Stephen. I wonder though if there is a direct connection between standing ovations at the top fests and later awards blessings. Desirable premiere tickets go mostly to top industry accreditations, who are also awards voters and will recall the good time they had when they make their choices?
Thank you Stephen for this thoughtful piece. While reading it, I remembered a theatre play I saw last night. The story was weak, and honestly, I didn’t feel like clapping. But everyone around me started applauding, and for a moment, I thought maybe I was the one who didn’t understand.
It’s the same feeling I sometimes get at film festivals, especially when the filmmakers are sitting there in the room. I think these moments are more about politeness and publicity than real emotion. Still, they do shape how people outside the festival see the film.