The Man I Love earns over 7-minute ovation at Cannes as Rami Malek moved to tears at premiere

The Man I Love received a thunderous standing ovation lasting more than seven minutes at its premiere in the main competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, with director Ira Sachs joined by cast members Rami Malek, Tom Sturridge and Luther Ford for the gala screening.

Set in 1984 New York, the film follows Jimmy George, played by Malek, a popular queer performer living with AIDS who remains determined to continue creating and stage a new theatrical production despite his declining time. His life revolves around his devoted partner Dennis, played by Sturridge, while becoming increasingly complicated by a relationship with a younger neighbour, Vincent, portrayed by Luther Ford in his feature-film debut.

The audience applauded throughout the credits and erupted once the lights came up. Malek, attending Cannes for the first time, appeared visibly emotional during the response. As cameras focused on him, he seemed overwhelmed, taking in the moment before attempting to redirect attention toward his co-stars, Sachs and festival director Thierry Frémaux.

Malek’s performance has already generated early awards discussion, particularly for an emotional scene in which his character performs Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma.

Addressing the audience, Sachs described the film as a reflection on connection, art, love and memory.

He also invited members of the production team to acknowledge their contribution and praised the film’s three lead actors, thanking them for giving “their souls” to the project.

Sachs co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborator Mauricio Zacharias, drawing inspiration from artists who continued creating until the final stages of their lives, including Ron Vawter and comedian Frank Maya.

The film also features Rebecca Hall and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in supporting roles, alongside numerous real-life New York artists.

Arriving just 16 months after Sachs’ previous film Peter Hujar’s Day, The Man I Love continues the filmmaker’s critically praised run in independent cinema, following works such as Passages.