Apple Original Films made a grand entrance at the Cannes Film Festival with the world premiere of its highly anticipated film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the film is set to debut in select theaters on October 6, followed by a broader release on October 20. Subsequently, it will stream globally on Apple TV+.
This historical crime saga, based on David Grann’s bestselling book, is a riveting tale of love, betrayal, and unspeakable crimes. Set at the turn of the 20th century, it paints a picture of how sudden wealth from oil transformed the Osage Nation into some of the world’s richest people overnight. However, the fortune also attracted exploitation and led to a horrifying series of events.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: (L to R) JaNae Collins, Cara Jade Myers, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tantoo Cardinal and Jillian Dion attend the Cannes Film Festival World Premiere of Apple Original Films’ “Killers Of The Flower Moon” at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2023 in Cannes, France. “Killers Of The Flower Moon” will be released exclusively in theaters beginning Friday, October 6 before streaming globally on Apple TV+. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Apple TV+) 
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: Zack Van Amburg, Head of Worldwide Video at Apple, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Eddy Cue, AppleÕs Senior Vice President of Services, Chief Standing Bear, Martin Scorsese, Director, Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Erlicht, Head of Worldwide Video at Apple, and Tantoo Cardinal attend the Cannes Film Festival World Premiere of Apple Original FilmsÕ ÒKillers of the Flower MoonÓ at the Palais des Festivals. ÒKillers of the Flower MoonÓ will be released exclusively in theaters beginning Friday, October 6 before streaming globally on Apple TV+. 
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone celebrate Apple Original Films’ “Killers of the Flower Moon” Cannes Film Festival World Premiere at Chateau de la Croix des Gardes. “Killers of the Flower Moon” will be released exclusively in theaters beginning Friday, October 6 before streaming globally on Apple TV+. 
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: (L to R) Yancey Recorn, Talee Redcorn, William Belleau, Tatanka Means and Jesse Plemons attend the Cannes Film Festival World Premiere of Apple Original Films’ “Killers Of The Flower Moon” at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2023 in Cannes, France. “Killers Of The Flower Moon” will be released exclusively in theaters beginning Friday, October 6 before streaming globally on Apple TV+. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Apple TV+)
Star Power Shines at Premiere
The premiere event sparkled with a string of Hollywood A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, and Lily Gladstone. Additionally, notable attendees such as Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, and others joined in the celebration.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, who play the central characters Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, were spotted celebrating at the Château de la Croix des Gardes. Their on-screen romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of unimaginable betrayal, adding a heartrending dimension to the narrative.
A Gala Night with Apple Executives and More
Apple’s top brass, including Head of Worldwide Video Zack Van Amburg, CEO Tim Cook, and Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue, were present to mark this significant milestone. The event also witnessed the presence of the Osage Nation Principal Chief Standing Bear, which added significance to the film’s historical context.
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” hailing from Apple Studios, was produced in collaboration with Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions, and Appian Way. Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Daniel Lupi served as producers, while Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, and others held executive producer roles.
A Historic Ovation for Scorsese’s Masterpiece
“Killers of the Flower Moon” created an electrifying atmosphere at Cannes, culminating in a standing ovation that lasted an unprecedented nine minutes. This fusion of history, drama, and suspense left a lasting impression, drawing applause that resonated long after the curtains closed. The star-studded cast, including DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro, combined with the untamed landscapes of 1920s Oklahoma to create a truly entrancing cinematic spectacle.
Moreover, the film has marked a remarkable comeback for Scorsese to Cannes. Notably, this is his first premiere at the prestigious festival since “After Hours” in 1985. The director, now 80, was honored with repeated cheers and a prolonged standing ovation, underscoring the film’s profound impact.
The Cannes Seal of Approval
The audience’s enthusiastic response was not the film’s only accolade. Numerous A-list actors, such as Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, Paul Dano, and Isabelle Huppert, graced the red carpet alongside the film’s stellar cast. Apple CEO Tim Cook also made a notable appearance, reflecting the film’s significance for Apple. He didn’t hold back his admiration for Scorsese’s newest creation, giving the film an enthusiastic thumbs-up and praising it as “awesome.”
The Journey Ahead
After making a splash at Cannes, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on October 6. Prepare to experience the vivid storytelling and brilliant performances that left the Cannes audience spellbound.
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