Jude Law’s turn as Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’s The Wizard Of The Kremlin prompted a surprising, sustained reaction at Venice: a reported 10-minute standing ovation at the film’s world premiere on Aug. 31, 2025. The film — led on screen by Paul Dano (the central protagonist) and Alicia Vikander — has already generated intense festival talk. The ovation and on-stage embraces for director Assayas mark a clear moment of festival momentum; Law told reporters the role wasn’t intended as imitation, and Dano described the part as personally awakening. Below: quick facts, why this matters now, reactions (with an embedded Venice clip), hard numbers, and what to watch next.
5 Quick Facts From Venice Premiere That Fans Need To Know Today
- Jude Law Starred As Vladimir Putin, Earning Loud Cheers (Venice, Aug 31, 2025)
- The Film Received A 10-Minute Standing Ovation At Its World Premiere.
- Paul Dano Plays The Spin-Doctor Lead; Alicia Vikander Co-Stars.
- Olivier Assayas Directed The Adaptation Of Giuliano Da Empoli’s Novel.
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Assayas’s political thriller arrives at a charged moment: festival buzz can convert into awards traction and market interest, especially for films that handle contemporary political themes. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter both noted the extended ovation and emotional response from the cast — a signal festivals use to gauge industry and awards-room curiosity. With fall festivals and awards-season campaigning weeks away, a high-profile Venice reception can accelerate sales, distributor attention, and early awards narratives for 2025.
What Stars Said After The 10-Minute Ovation: Reactions And Clips
Jude Law told reporters in Venice the aim “wasn’t to be an impersonation” of Putin, adding that he and Olivier Assayas avoided hiding “behind a mask.” Law also quipped, “It’s amazing what a great wig can do.” Paul Dano — widely described by critics as the film’s emotional center — said the role “felt very far from who I am,” but that playing Baranov awakened new impulses about power. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter captured the applause, cast emotions, and director Assayas’s on-stage embraces after the ovation.
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Festival reactions remain one of the clearest early indicators of market and awards interest. A sustained standing ovation — especially in Venice’s Sala Grande — typically boosts industry conversations, buyer inquiries, and media coverage in the run-up to theatrical release and awards campaigns. For a politically charged film that dramatizes a leader’s rise, the combination of star casting (Law), auteur direction (Assayas), and lengthy ovation often signals cross-border marketability and topical resonance during a politically active season.
3 Numbers That Explain Why Venice Ovation Changes Oscar Buzz in 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Ovation | 10 minutes | Strong Premiere Momentum |
| Venice Edition | 82nd | High-Profile Festival Platform |
| Festival Run Dates | Aug 27–Sept 6, 2025 | Launchpad For Fall Campaigns |
A 10-minute ovation at the 82nd Venice festival sharply increases industry attention heading into awards season.
What This 10-Minute Ovation Means For Awards Season In 2025
A prolonged Venice ovation gives The Wizard Of The Kremlin early oxygen: more press, intensified distributor interest, and possible awards-season positioning for leads and craft teams. Next steps to watch: festival press screenings, buyer moves at Venice market, and whether early reviews (mixed in some outlets) convert applause into sustained awards campaigning and release strategies.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/jude-law-putin-wizard-of-the-kremlin-venice-premiere-1236492820/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/paul-dano-jude-law-wizard-of-the-kremlin-venice-premiere-1236357934/
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.