Francis Ford Coppola's long-awaited science-fiction masterpiece, Megalopolis, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night to thunderous applause and a 10-minute standing ovation. The film, which had been the subject of much anticipation and discussion, captivated audiences inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre.

As the credits rolled, Coppola greeted each member of his star-studded cast, including Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito, with a warm hug, further adding to the atmosphere of celebration. The acclaimed filmmaker then took the microphone to acknowledge his family's contributions to the project, highlighting his son, Roman Coppola, and sister, Talia Shire, both of whom had worked on the film.

In a heartfelt moment, Coppola spoke about the concept of family, extending it beyond blood relations to include all his collaborators on the film. Quoting Driver's character, Cesar, he emphasized that "we are all one family." He dedicated the movie to the power of hope, using the Italian word "speranza," and expressed his desire to create a better world for future generations.

The buildup to Megalopolis' unveiling at Cannes was monumental. Earlier in the day, Imax announced plans for a global theatrical release of the film, although specific details regarding timing were yet to be revealed. The film's journey to the premiere was equally enchanting, with Coppola and his team making a grand entrance accompanied by Frank Sinatra's iconic "My Way."

Inside the theater, the excitement reached new heights as the theme from The Godfather played, and audience members erupted in applause upon seeing Coppola walk the red carpet with his cane. Adam Driver, known for his roles in Star Wars and other prominent films, kindly assisted the legendary director up the steps of the Palais to greet festival director Thierry Fremaux, further cementing the momentous occasion.

The high-profile event drew several prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Mike Faist, star of Challengers, and acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer were among the notable attendees. Additionally, Coppola was seen embracing actor Richard Gere before the screening, exemplifying the warmth and camaraderie within the film community.

For Coppola, who is now 85 years old, Megalopolis marks his return to the Cannes Film Festival competition after a hiatus of 45 years. In 1979, his groundbreaking film Apocalypse Now won him the prestigious Palme d'Or, following the previous success of The Conversation in 1974.

Similar to Apocalypse Now, Megalopolis has been a labor of love for Coppola, who has been discussing the project for decades. Investing a staggering $120 million of his own funds, the production reportedly faced numerous challenges during its visually striking shoot in Atlanta.

Regardless of the outcome, Coppola can proudly claim that he pursued his creative vision on his own terms. As The Hollywood Reporter's chief film critic, David Rooney, aptly put it in his review, Megalopolis reflects Coppola's unwavering determination to bring his cinematic vision to life, much like the idealistic passion of the film's character, Cesar Catilina, who is driven to reshape New York City and challenge the ruling elite.

With its remarkable reception at Cannes, Megalopolis promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning cinematic spectacle that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.