Cannes Wants Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ in Competition: “We’re Waiting on Their Response”

UPDATED: Thierry Fremaux has extended his thoughts on whether we’ll see ‘Killers’ in competition:

Technically and to commend Apple’s decision to release the film in theatres even though the film was selected out of competition, I extended the option for it to be in competition. I invited Marty’s film to premiere out of competition since it was a film for a platform, that was already fantastic. Then Apple said that they would release the film in theatres which was also fantastic. So I said, well in that case, you are welcome in competition, and now we’ll see what their response is. I’ll respect the decision of Martin Scorsese and of Apple.

Fremaux also mentions that the film is “very strong” and even made him cry. Just inject it into my veins already!

EARLIER: It’s not a done deal that Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” will play out of competition.

At today’s press conference, Cannes boss Thierry Frémaux reiterated his desire to have Scorsese’s film play in competition, but added that he’s waiting on Scorsese and Apple to give him the go-ahead.

I imagine this is a diplomatic way for Frémaux to both flatter and pressure Scorsese/Apple by suggesting that the film is competition-worthy.

I don't know who Frémaux is expecting an answer from. He explained that he made the request, obviously Scorsese was informed of it and does not seem opposed to it. So, is the ball on Apple’s court?

Even yesterday, when interviewed by France Inter, Frémaux said he did not to know if it would be in competition for the Palme d’Or.

The wait could also have to do with there being, possibly, two late additions to the comp lineup. As of now, we only have three French films in there, the quota is four. The odds-on favorites right now seem to be Bruno Dumont, Ladj Ly and Valerie Donzelli.

As of this morning, Fremaux is set to rewatch Dumont’s “L’Empire” in Paris, this could be a good indication that he will eventually choose that starry sci-fi epic.

As far as the missing US films go, maybe Alexander Payne or Jeff Nichols or Yorgos Lanthimos could sneak in there as well. There are also rumors starting up that Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance” could be a late addition.