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Documentary

Celebration (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Celebration (2019) movie poster

Celebration is a 2019 documentary directed by Olivier Meyrou, starring Pierre Bergé, Catherine Deneuve and Laetitia Casta. It runs 1 hour 14 minutes. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Echo Score
81
Metascore
79
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Celebration (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 14m (74 min)
Director
Olivier Meyrou
Genre
Documentary
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Celebration About?

The premise of Celebration without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This intimate documentary offers a revealing look at Yves Saint Laurent’s final runway show, a momentous event that was previously kept hidden due to disagreements between Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Director Olivier Meyrou’s film immerses viewers in the world of high fashion, capturing the opulence and drama surrounding the show’s creation. It showcases Saint Laurent’s artistic vision and offers a glimpse into his legacy, highlighting a pivotal moment in the life of a fashion icon.

Celebration Themes & Keywords

· 8 tags
  • gay interest
  • homosexual
  • gay
  • coming out
  • 6 year old
  • little boy
  • family gathering
  • celebration
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Cast & crew

Celebration Cast

Pierre Bergé leads the cast, with Catherine Deneuve and Laetitia Casta. Directed by Olivier Meyrou; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Celebration

· 1 more
From the director

More from Olivier Meyrou

One more film directed by Olivier Meyrou: Beyond Hatred.

Full filmography
Ratings

Celebration Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Celebration 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (75).

81 /100

Celebration Echo Score Breakdown

Celebration delivers a compelling and artfully crafted documentary on Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy. Across reviews, critics highlight its insightful character study, deliberate pacing, and evocative electronic score, noting a balanced blend of factual depth and emotional resonance. Some point to a slightly uneven portrait that favors emblematic snapshots over exhaustive detail, yet this approach contributes to the film’s haunting atmosphere. Overall, Celebration stands as a thoughtfully assembled portrait that leaves a lasting impression on viewers interested in fashion history.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Celebration exhibits an elegant and measured visual approach. Critics praise the film’s subtle editing rhythms and understated cinematography, noting its cohesive production design that evokes the era of haute couture. The direction maintains a consistent stylistic tone, balancing archival footage with contemporary reflections. Overall, the documentary’s craftsmanship enhances its narrative without drawing attention away from its subject.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    In terms of character and emotion, Celebration provides an insightful study of Yves Saint Laurent’s persona and legacy. Reviewers highlight the film’s candid exploration of his mental decline alongside glimpses of his creative drive, producing a bittersweet emotional undertone. The documentary avoids hagiography by presenting unvarnished moments of doubt and melancholy. Overall, the film’s focus on character depth delivers a nuanced portrait that resonates beyond the fashion world.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, Celebration delivers a tightly constructed narrative that explores themes of success, power, and mortality. Critics commend the film’s coherent pacing and original framing of archival material, noting a balanced blend of historical context and thematic insight. Some observations point to a less exhaustive exploration of certain periods, resulting in moments that feel snapshot-like. Overall, the documentary maintains engagement through its focused and purposeful storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, Celebration is distinguished by its evocative electronic score and meticulous sound design. Reviewers note the film’s ability to evoke an eerie yet melancholic atmosphere through its restrained musical themes and clear audio layering. The visual style, characterized by period-appropriate textures and color tones, reinforces the documentary’s mood. Overall, the auditory and visual elements coalesce to create a cohesive sensory journey.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    In terms of rewatch factor, Celebration offers enduring appeal for audiences interested in fashion history and cultural legacy. Critics emphasize the documentary’s lingering texture—its snapshots of Saint Laurent’s life continue to provoke reflection on creativity and decline over multiple viewings. The concise structure and thematic consistency encourage renewed engagement without feeling repetitive. Overall, the film sustains interest beyond an initial watch through its thoughtful exploration of its subject.

Plot

Celebration Plot Summary

What happens in Celebration from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The narrative unfolds in the quaint mining town of Langwith, located in Derbyshire, where the Shaw family gathers to celebrate the momentous occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. At the heart of this celebration is Mr. Shaw, who has diligently worked as a coal miner for an impressive 49 years, and is eagerly counting down the days until his well-deserved retirement in just one more year. His wife, Mrs. Shaw, comes from a lineage of higher social standing as the daughter of a pig breeder, adding another layer of complexity to their familial dynamics.

Full summary

The whole story of Celebration, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Celebration Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Celebration.

Celebration: Yves Saint Laurent - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Celebration?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what town does the movie 'Celebration' take place?

Details

Celebration Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “Prazdnik” and “Tatil”.

Also known as
  • Prazdnik
  • Tatil
  • Ünnep

Seen Celebration?

FAQ

Celebration FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Celebration, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Celebration?

Celebration runs 1 hour 14 minutes (74 minutes).

When was Celebration released?

Celebration was released on October 2, 2019.

Who directed Celebration?

Celebration was directed by Olivier Meyrou.

More films by Olivier Meyrou

Who is in the cast of Celebration?

Celebration stars Pierre Bergé, Catherine Deneuve and Laetitia Casta, among 5 credited actors.

How is Celebration rated?

Celebration has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does Celebration have a post-credit scene?

No. Celebration has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Celebration in?

The original language of Celebration is French.

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