Director Sorrentino's "Parthenope" receives 9.5-minute standing ovation at Cannes

Sorrentino's latest masterpiece mesmerizes Cannes, with Gary Oldman's performance stealing the spotlight.

Director Paolo Sorrentino and the cast of his latest film, "Parthenope," including Gary Oldman, Celeste Della Porta, and Stefania Sandrelli, were embraced by applause as the film received a 9.5-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night.

Tears welled in Della Porta's eyes, embodying her emotional portrayal of the title character, while Sorrentino himself appeared visibly moved as he addressed the ecstatic crowd.

"This movie is a celebration of the journey of my life," Sorrentino shared, expressing gratitude to Cannes general delegate Thierry Fremaux for kickstarting his cinematic journey two decades ago with "The Consequences of Love."

Having left an indelible mark on Cannes with previous works such as "Il Divo" and "This Must Be the Place," Sorrentino's latest offering marks his seventh film competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or. "Parthenope" follows the eponymous woman, portrayed by Della Porta, in a narrative Sorrentino describes as his first "feminine epic."

"I find the journey that women make much more heroic today than the epic and heroic journey of man was in the past," Sorrentino remarked in an interview with Variety. 

"Parthenope" boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Silvio Orlando, Luisa Ranieri, Peppe Lanzetta, and Isabella Ferrari.

Among the cast is Gary Oldman, who takes on the role of American writer John Cheever, known for setting many of his short stories in Italy. 

Sorrentino praised Oldman, labeling him "one of the top five actors in the world" who possesses unparalleled versatility.