Scarlett Johansson has revealed that she has always harbored aspirations of becoming a director, a dream that has now materialized with her directorial debut, "Eleanor the Great." The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week in the Un Certain Regard section, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Johansson, who is 40 years old, shared that the desire to direct has been a constant presence throughout her career. She explained that she would often envision how she would direct certain elements of a production, even when she was primarily acting. This long-held ambition has finally come to fruition with "Eleanor the Great," a character-driven indie set in New York.

"Eleanor the Great" stars June Squibb as Eleanor Morgenstein, a 94-year-old woman who, grappling with grief and loneliness, attempts to forge new connections in New York City after moving back from Florida. As a result of mistaken identity, Eleanor tries to pass as a Holocaust survivor. The film explores themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the tendency to make quick judgments in today's world. Johansson hopes the film will encourage audiences to reconsider their perspectives and challenge preconceived notions. The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and Erin Kellyman.

The transition to directing, according to Johansson, wasn't meticulously planned but rather occurred at the opportune moment. She described the script as "a little gem" that immediately resonated with her. When June Squibb also expressed enthusiasm for the project's nuanced humor, Johansson felt compelled to seize the opportunity.

The premiere of "Eleanor the Great" at Cannes was a resounding success, with the film receiving a five-minute standing ovation. Johansson expressed her joy at seeing Squibb on the Croisette, stating that it was a dream come true. The film is produced by TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Classics, marking their first collaboration.

Johansson's journey to becoming a director has been marked by a desire for creative control and a deeper involvement in filmmaking. She has increasingly taken on producing roles, including for "Eleanor the Great," "Black Widow," and "Fly Me to the Moon." Her experiences working with acclaimed directors such as Jonathan Glazer, Spike Jonze, the Coen brothers, and Noah Baumbach have undoubtedly influenced her approach to directing.

In addition to "Eleanor the Great," Johansson is set to appear in Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," which premiered shortly before her directorial debut at Cannes, and "Jurassic World Rebirth," demonstrating her continued presence in front of the camera.