Kristen Stewart and 'Full Phil' cast receive mixed Cannes reception with a 5-minute ovation

Kristen Stewart and Woody Harrelson dazzled attendees at the Palais during the debut of their upcoming movie, the quirky father-daughter comedy “Full Phil” by French musician and director Quentin Depieux. 

Preceding the film's start, Depieux and his ensemble, featuring Charlotte Le Bon and Emma Mackey (whose previous release, “Ella McCay,” was a major success in France), received warm applause from what appeared to be a packed venue. The crowd at the midnight showing was lively and eager to enjoy their beloved stars on the big screen.

The bizarre comedy generated laughter throughout, yet it seemed to not fully captivate the audience. When the end credits finished, polite claps were heard from the viewers. As the lights illuminated the room, the audience rose in applause for the actors — with an especially loud cheer for Stewart. 

Stewart happily interacted with fans, pulling faces for the camera and waving to those situated in the balcony; as the applause persisted, she danced playfully and tried to shift the spotlight back onto her co-stars.

“I’ll keep this brief since I suspect everyone is ready to head out,” Dupieux commented as he took the microphone, pausing the clapping. “Your staying here is greatly appreciated, but it's quite late.”

Seizing the moment, he extended his gratitude to his team and the skilled professionals behind the scenes, including producer Hugo Sélignac, musician Siriusmo, and his spouse, artistic director Joan Le Boru, along with the cast members.

“My desire is to live alongside artists and collaborate creatively with them. Thank you, Cannes, thank you immensely,” Dupieux concluded, dropping the mic quite literally as he finished speaking.

Starring in the film, Stewart and Harrelson play a father and daughter who embark on a journey to Paris to reconnect. However, their visit faces disruptions from French cuisine, a 1950s horror flick, and an inquisitive hotel staff member. In addition to Stewart, Harrelson, and Mackey, “Full Phil” features Emma Mackey, Charlotte Le Bon, Tim Heidecker, and Eric Wareheim.

Dupieux last brought his work to Cannes with his 2024 comedy “The Second Act,” which was the opening feature for that year’s festival. Stewart returned to the Croisette last year to present her first project as a director, “The Chronology of Water,” showcasing Imogen Poots portraying a swimmer dealing with addiction, to significant critical success.

In a interview with Variety, Stewart expressed her eagerness to partner with Dupieux due to his hands-on style. “I'm a huge fan of his films. They are unique in look and feel, unlike anybody else’s, and it's a privilege for actors to work with such directors,” she stated. 

“He operates the camera himself. There is a constant connection with him. By the day’s conclusion, he has a clear vision of the editing process. He captures any missed shots. He's beyond an auteur, more of a genius.”