From ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ to ‘After the Hunt’: Films that earned unforgettable standing ovations

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most notable and historic film festivals in the world, held annually in Italy. It is known for honoring cinema with lengthy, moving standing ovations that celebrate compelling narratives, outstanding performances, and memorable direction. These heartfelt reactions highlight the deep emotional impact that films can have on audiences. Here are some standout movies that received extraordinary appreciation from viewers.

This intensely moving documentary tells the tragic story of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, who desperately called for help before being killed in Gaza. Its blend of authentic audio and reenactments deeply affected the audience, earning a record-breaking 24-minute standing ovation. The overwhelming response underscored the film's power and political resonance.

Amanda Seyfried stars in this daring historical musical about Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker movement. Her transformative performance struck a deep chord with audiences, surpassing even other high-profile debuts to receive the festival’s longest standing ovation of 15 minutes.

This raw biographical drama follows MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s rise to fame and struggles with addiction, with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the lead. The candid and emotionally charged story moved the premiere audience to tears, resulting in one of the longest ovations of the year — a full 15 minutes.

Guillermo del Toro’s gothic adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic proved to be a Venice triumph. Stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi were visibly emotional during the film’s premiere, as its dark intensity and cinematic artistry brought them to tears. The film received a 13-minute ovation, among the festival’s most enduring.

Julia Roberts stars in the drama After the Hunt, which wowed Venice audiences and critics alike with its tragic and compelling storyline. Roberts was seen wiping away tears and embracing her director and co-stars during the film’s 6-minute ovation. The response highlighted her poignant performance and the film’s ability to stir powerful emotions.