Did Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s ‘The History of Sound’ Really Get a 6-Minute Standing Ovation?
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Synopsis
Discover the buzz surrounding Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor's film 'The History of Sound', which captivated audiences at its premiere, receiving a remarkable standing ovation. This film, set in 1919, explores a poignant love story between two men as they record folk songs, showcasing the depth of human connection in turbulent times.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor star in a groundbreaking film.
- The film received a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes.
- Directed by Oliver Hermanus, it explores love and music in 1919.
- It won the Queer Palm award at Cannes.
- Highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ narratives in cinema.
Los Angeles, May 22 (NationPress) Hollywood actors Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor received an incredible six-minute standing ovation for their captivating gay romance film directed by Oliver Hermanus, titled “The History of Sound”.
While Mescal was greeted with applause upon his entrance, O’Connor was unable to attend the premiere as he was busy wrapping up his role in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming project.
“This has been one of the most wonderful creative collaborations of my very, very short career, but this has been a testament to the genius of Paul Mescal,” noted director Hermanus, as reported by variety.com.
Among the attendees were stars like Gracie Abrams, who is in a relationship with Mescal, Jenny Slate, married to screenwriter Ben Shattuck, as well as Michelle Rodriguez, Cara Delevingne, and John C. Reilly.
Based on Shattuck’s short story, “The History of Sound” chronicles the journey of two men who venture to New England in the summer of 1919 to document the folk songs of their rural compatriots.
In addition to Mescal and O’Connor, the film features performances from Chris Cooper, Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Briana Middleton, and Gary Raymond. The screenplay was also crafted by director Hermanus, hailing from South Africa.
This film represents Hermanus’ sixth feature, following his recent work “Living” in 2022, which starred Bill Nighy. The last time he competed at Cannes was in 2011 with “Beauty”, a film exploring a closeted man’s journey to self-acceptance.
“The History of Sound” won the festival’s Queer Palm and was nominated as South Africa’s entry for the Oscars in the foreign language category, although it did not make the final shortlist.
Mescal, known for “Normal People” and his upcoming role as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic, was previously seen at Cannes with the 2022 drama “Aftersun”.
For O’Connor, this marks his first appearance at Cannes, where he also stars in another film competing for awards: “The Mastermind” directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Point of View
The reception of 'The History of Sound' at Cannes highlights the evolving narrative around LGBTQ+ cinema. The standing ovation serves as a testament to the film's emotional resonance and the powerful performances by its leads. This film not only showcases talent but also underscores the importance of storytelling that reflects diverse experiences.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'The History of Sound' about?
The film follows the relationship between two men in 1919 who travel to New England to record folk songs, exploring themes of love and connection.
Who directed 'The History of Sound'?
'The History of Sound' was directed by Oliver Hermanus, who also wrote the screenplay.
What did the audience think of the premiere?
The film received an impressive six-minute standing ovation, showcasing its emotional impact.
Who are the main stars of the film?
The film stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, along with Chris Cooper and others.
What awards did 'The History of Sound' win?
'The History of Sound' won the Queer Palm at Cannes and was South Africa's entry for the Oscars in the foreign language category.
