Paper Tiger: James Gray's Late Cannes Entry Premieres to Standing Ovation

"Cinema needs you guys more than ever." – James Gray, addressing the audience at the Grand Theatre Lumiere

The film Paper Tiger, directed by James Gray, was added as a late entry to the Palme d'Or competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It premiered at the Grand Theatre Lumiere on May 16, 2026, receiving a prolonged standing ovation.

Setting and Story

Set in 1986 Queens, New York, the film follows two brothers whose involvement in a business scheme puts them in conflict with the Russian mafia.

According to the official synopsis, the narrative follows two brothers pursuing the American dream who become involved in a scheme described as "too good to be true." They navigate a world of corruption and violence, and their family is terrorized by the Russian 'Mafiya.' The brothers’ bond is strained, and betrayal becomes a possibility. The specific plot involves a business deal for cleaning up the Gowanus Canal.

Cast and Production

The film stars Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. Producers include Rodrigo Teixeira (RT Features), Anthony Katagas (AK Productions), Raffaella Leone, Gary Farkas, Marco Perego, Carlo Salem, and Andrea Bucko. Executive producers are Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Riccardo Maddalosso, and Emily Salveson.

Neon acquired North American distribution rights; SND will handle French distribution.

Festival Details

Paper Tiger is Gray's sixth film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, following Armageddon Time (2022), The Immigrant (2013), Two Lovers (2008), We Own the Night (2007), and The Yards (2000). Gray served on the festival's competition jury in 2019.

The film was not included in the initial lineup announcement. Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux stated he was hopeful it would be added, describing it as "a wonderful film, a very James Gray film, very indie." He noted the project was "complicated to put together" and that "there are still some contractual issues to resolve." The film was officially added to the competition in late April.

Premiere Events

Cast members Adam Driver and Miles Teller attended the premiere and walked the red carpet. Scarlett Johansson was absent due to filming commitments for The Exorcist reboot. Director James Gray attempted to contact her via FaceTime during the standing ovation, but she did not answer.

Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, and director Pawel Pawlikowski were among those in attendance.

Director's Remarks

Gray addressed the audience, stating:

"Cinema needs you guys more than ever."

He also remarked:

"It's not my first time here. It's actually number six... I have learned finally to appreciate. But more I appreciate you, without you, there is no cinema, cinema needs you."

Critical Reception

Variety's Owen Gleiberman wrote in a review:

"Paper Tiger adds up on paper... The movie is engineered to be seen as 'powerful.' Right now, though, I'd say that he's an ace director who's still being undercut by the holes in his screenplays."

Festival Context

Gray is one of two American filmmakers in competition this year, alongside Ira Sachs with The Man I Love. With Paper Tiger, Neon is involved with six films in Palme d'Or competition, including works by Arthur Harari, Cristian Mungiu, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Na Hong-jin.

The film has a runtime of 1 hour 55 minutes and is rated R.