The Greatest Showman – Chapter 1346: Applause

The sound of thunderous applause filled the air, a tidal wave of noise reverberating through Lumière Hall. The crowd stood in unison, sending their collective applause soaring into the air, joined by whistles and cheers. The energy was overwhelming, the blood coursing through every spectator's veins, and as time passed, the intensity grew, a crescendo that shook the very walls of the venue.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!" echoed, and soon the entire hall was a forest of standing figures, a sea of faces lost in the overwhelming energy. The air hummed with the sound of their shared excitement, and the crew of Drunken Town Folk Ballad—positioned at the center—were the focal point of this explosive adoration.

This was Cannes. A place where the greatest names in cinema and art gather, where even the most modest films are greeted with applause. But today was different.

The applause here wasn't just polite; it was genuine, overwhelming, and passionate. Every corner of the hall vibrated with tearful eyes, hands raised in admiration for the art on display. The crowd wasn't merely clapping for the film; they were celebrating something much deeper. They were honoring the story, the performances, and the era that it captured. This was France—an artistic haven that had nurtured generations of creators, from painters to musicians, to playwrights and filmmakers. The country had shaped the very course of art and culture. From early French Impressionist films to the groundbreaking French New Wave, the nation's cinematic legacy was undeniable.

In the history of art, France had been a crucial force. Paris had once been the beating heart of the world's artistic community, and even legends like Woody Allen couldn't escape the allure of its golden age.

When the Drunken Country Ballad team presented their work, they didn't just share a story of the American folk era. They shared a part of the human experience, one that connected with audiences across the globe. France, with its deep appreciation for the arts, understood the struggle behind the creation of such work. They saw not just the characters but the heart of the era—and of LeVine Davis. Each audience member found a piece of themselves in the film.

The applause felt endless. It was as though the entire hall had become a massive wave, unstoppable and overwhelming. The crew was submerged in it, each clap reverberating deep within them.

Ryan Gosling, red-eyed and sweat-drenched, looked almost out of place. Yet, he didn't care—he knew this wasn't his moment to shine. He wasn't even a supporting actor; he was merely one of the countless audience members sharing in the experience. He turned to his friend, his heart filled with admiration, and clapped with pure excitement.

Renly Hall, feeling the fervor of the crowd, stood up with a smile, acknowledging the applause. He had done his part, but the true credit lay with the Coen brothers, whose direction had brought the story to life. Their vision had captured not just the historical context but also the loneliness of individuals within it. The subtlety of their work was its strength, and the emotional weight of their film had resonated with the audience, leaving them breathless.

The applause grew louder, climbing to a fever pitch as the Coen brothers stood to accept the audience's admiration. This wasn't just a casual standing ovation; it was a celebration of art. The sheer force of the crowd's respect was overwhelming, reaching a level that had yet to be seen during this year's festival. The Drunken Country Ballad had achieved something special.

The applause stretched on—one minute, two minutes, three minutes… until it became clear: this was a moment to be remembered.

This wasn't Toronto or Berlin, where accolades were often linked to commercial success. This was Cannes, where respect for the art itself had triumphed over everything else. Ten minutes of applause. Ten minutes of pure, unbridled respect.

It wasn't just about popularity; it was about recognition. And in this very hall, in this very moment, Drunken Country Ballad had earned its place in history.