James Gray's Attempt to FaceTime Scarlett Johansson at Cannes Ends in Voicemail

June 29, 2026

Scarlett Johansson missed the Cannes premiere of Paper Tiger due to filming commitments, but director James Gray still tried to include her in the celebration. During the film's standing ovation, Gray attempted to FaceTime the actress from inside the theater, only for the call to go straight to voicemail. The lighthearted moment added an unexpected touch to an otherwise successful premiere for the film.

Scarlett Johansson missed a major premiere. But she was still part of the moment.
Scarlett Johansson missed a major premiere. But she was still part of the moment.

The actress was unable to attend the Cannes premiere of Paper Tiger because of filming commitments.

The film received a warm reception. The audience showed its appreciation.
The film received a warm reception. The audience showed its appreciation.

Paper Tiger earned a lengthy standing ovation following its screening at the festival.

The gesture was spontaneous. The result was unexpected.
The gesture was spontaneous. The result was unexpected.

Gray tried to FaceTime Johansson while the celebration was taking place.

The timing seemed perfect. Technology had other plans.
The timing seemed perfect. Technology had other plans.

The call went directly to voicemail despite the festive atmosphere.

The audience got an extra moment. A little comedy entered the evening.
The audience got an extra moment. A little comedy entered the evening.

Gray reportedly laughed off the unsuccessful call attempt.

Johansson had a good reason. Work kept her elsewhere.
Johansson had a good reason. Work kept her elsewhere.

She was filming Mike Flanagan's upcoming reboot of The Exorcist.

The premiere still drew star power. Several cast members attended.
The premiere still drew star power. Several cast members attended.

Adam Driver and Miles Teller were among those present for the screening.

The film tells a tense story. Danger drives the plot forward.
The film tells a tense story. Danger drives the plot forward.

Paper Tiger follows two brothers whose lives become complicated after a criminal scheme goes wrong.

A missed call became a memorable detail. Cannes delivered another unexpected moment.
A missed call became a memorable detail. Cannes delivered another unexpected moment.

While the premiere celebrated the film's success, the voicemail mishap added a lighthearted twist to the occasion.

Director James Gray had an idea. He wanted Johansson included somehow.
Director James Gray had an idea. He wanted Johansson included somehow.

During the applause, Gray attempted to connect with the actress from inside the theater.