*Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images.*

A Cannes Film Festival wouldn’t feel complete without Wes Anderson, and this year, the acclaimed director premiered his latest film, ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ on Sunday night to enthusiastic acclaim — earning a 7.5-minute standing ovation. Among those visibly moved was first-time Anderson collaborator Mia Threapleton, who appeared emotional as the applause carried on.

Anderson’s presence at Cannes has become a tradition. His 2023 film ‘Asteroid City’ and 2021 film ‘The French Dispatch,’ marked the director’s festival return after the pandemic hiatus, and received a nine-minute ovation for ‘Dispatch,’ while ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ garnered five minutes of applause in 2012.

Leading the ensemble cast of ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ are Anderson regular Benicio Del Toro and newcomer Threapleton. The film also stars Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, Richard Ayoade, Willem Dafoe, and F. Murray Abraham.

*Mathieu Amalric, Wes Anderson, Mia Threapleton, and Benicio del Toro on the set of ‘The Phoenician Scheme.’*

Co-written by Anderson and frequent collaborator Roman Coppola, the film marks a return to the director’s signature style — quirky, character-driven stories centered around dysfunctional families, reminiscent of ‘Rushmore’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums.’ Set in 1950, ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ follows European industrialist Anatole “Zsa-zsa” Korda (played by Del Toro), who miraculously survives his sixth plane crash. Known for his elaborate and cutthroat business dealings, Korda has made enemies not only of rival corporations but also of governments worldwide, making him a prime target for assassination.

At the ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ press conference the day after the premiere, Wes Anderson poked fun of Donald Trump’s plan to impose 100% tariffs on films made outside America.

“Tariffs are fascinating. I’ve never heard of a 100 percent tariff before. I’m not an expert in that area of economics, but I feel that means he’s saying he’s going to take all the money. And then what do we get? So it’s complicated to me,” Anderson said. “Does that mean you can hold up the movie in customs? I feel it doesn’t ship that way. I’m not sure I want to know the details so I’ll hold off on my official answer.”

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