Scarlett Johansson was notably absent from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival during a special moment for her upcoming thriller, Paper Tiger.

On Saturday, May 16, the 41-year-old star missed the film receiving a thunderous 10-minute standing ovation during its world premiere at the Grand Théâtre Lumière at the Cannes Film Festival.

According to Variety, director James Gray attempted to call Johansson during the celebration so she could share in the excitement, but he was unable to get through as the actress was busy shooting The Exorcist.

As Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore joined in leading the applause, Gray took a moment to thank audiences for their continued dedication to cinema.

"There's much more grey now in the beard, not just the name, but the beard. And I have learned finally to appreciate. But the more I appreciate you, without you, there is no cinema, cinema needs you. And cinema needs you guys more than ever," he said.

Despite the The Avengers star’s notable absence from the premiere, the director was joined on the red carpet by the film’s lead actors, Adam Driver and Miles Teller.

What is Paper Tiger about?

Paper Tiger, starring Johansson, Driver, and Teller, follows two brothers chasing the American Dream before becoming trapped in a dangerous Russian mafia operation that puts their family at risk.