Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem’s ‘Bunker’ gets 15-minute standing ovation at Venice
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem’s psychological thriller, Bunker, got a 15 minute standing ovation at the ongoing Venice International Film Festival after its screening on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
After the screening of the Florian Zeller directorial, both Penelope and Javier were seen getting emotional with the overwhelming response
Published - September 09, 2026 01:09 pm IST
Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz at the red carpet for the film ‘Bunker’ during the 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice | Photo Credit: AP
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem’s psychological thriller, Bunker, got a 15 minute standing ovation at the ongoing 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
After the screening of the Florian Zeller directorial, both Penelope and Javier were seen getting emotional with the overwhelming response as Penelope kissed Javier, her husband and co-star.
Bunker stars the two as a married couple and explores how a professional decision begins to have consequences on their relationship. Javier plays an architect in it, who accepts a project to build a bunker for a billionaire which begins to impact his marriage. The film also features Stephen Graham, Paul Dano, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Chloe Conh, Leah Conh and Mark Gatiss in pivotal roles.
It is competing for the Golden Lion at the film festival alongside films like Wild Horse Nine and Ink. Filmed in both Spanish and English, Florian has revealed in interviews that he wrote the movie specifically for Penelope and Javier after he was inspired by a real story that he read. It is the director’s third film after The Father, which starred Anthony Hopkins in the lead and The Son, featuring Hugh Jackman.
Bunker marks the ninth film starring Penelope and Javier. However, it is the fifth in which they have scenes together. Their first collaboration was in the 1992 Spanish film, Jamón, jamón.
Published - September 09, 2026 01:09 pm IST
entertainment (general) / film festival / cinema
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