Being John Malkovich sometimes means being the humblest guy in the room.
After the actor’s latest film Wild Horse Nine, which also stars Sam Rockwell and Parker Posey, received a 14-minute standing ovation at its world premiere during the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Malkovich admitted that “not so much” was going through his head as the crowd went wild.
“I mean, it's nice that the audience liked it,” he told E! News days later in an exclusive interview at the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 14. “I hadn't seen it with an audience. Sam hadn't seen it at all.”
However, the Being John Malkovich actor did tear up—but he swears something really was in his eyes.
“Mostly, I was wishing my eye allergy would go away, which I've had for a few years,” he explained. “And certain times of the year gives me a crying all day long.”
But maybe he was just getting choked up at the audience’s reaction?
“Oh, one could think that, yeah. But sadly, no,” he said. “It was all four days in Venice. I was allergic to something. I don't know what.”
But it seems the making of the film—which follows CIA agents Chris (Malkovich) and Lee (Rockwell) as they're sent to Easter Island on a mysterious mission in the 1970s—was what felt most rewarding for the 72-year-old. After all, he was able to work alongside his pal every day.
“I'm very fond of Sam,” Malkovich explained. “He's a friend. He has a great work ethic. He's very smart. He's very well trained and he's a lot of fun. So, it's great to have a partner who's really gifted and really fun to be around.”
Rockwell, meanwhile, has another dream costar on his list, hoping to check into a new film with longtime love Leslie Bibb after they appeared together in the latest season of The White Lotus.
“We should do that,” the 57-year-old told E! News in a separate interview at the event. “We got to figure that out. We were briefly in a few movies. Don Verdean and then Iron Man 2, very briefly, but not enough.”
As for why he wants to meld his personal and professional lives once more?
“She's my partner,” Rockwell continued. “She means everything to me. She helps me with everything, and I help her.”
Keep reading for all the celebs who stepped out at the Toronto International Film Festival…
The Mean Girls alum, who broke up with her husband Thomas Sadoski after nine years of marriage, stepped out at the premiere of The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd without her wedding ring.
The couple enjoyed a date night at a dinner thrown by Sony Pictures Classic.
The Pitch Perfect actress was picture perfect inside the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro.
It was a family affair for the sisters at the Bucking Fastard premiere.
The Debut costars unveiled their movie at a screening hosted by Don Julio Tequila and Peroni.
The Hidden Figures actress hit the red carpet at the premiere of the Darlene Love: I Know Where I've Been documentary.
All that the Schitt's Creek alum wanted was to premiere All That She Wants at the Campari Cinema Center sponsored by Cayman Islands, Lavazza and Anderson College.
The Widow's Bay star was honored with with the IMDb "Breakout" STARmeter Award.
Blessed be the Testaments actress and "Have Mercy" singer at the premiere of The Julia Set.
The BLACKPINK singer shut down the red carpet in custom Louis Vuitton at her Always Lalisa documentary's premiere.
The Idol alum stopped by the Campari Cinema Center sponsored by Cayman Islands, Lavazza, Poppi, Rodeo FX and Anderson College.
Like mother, like daughter. The Magazine star coordinated in black with her mom at the premiere of her movie.
The Pam & Tommy alum bared her tattoo while posing inside the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro.
The Trap actor swung by the Campari Cinema Center presented by Cayman Islands Tourism, Lavazza and Rodeo FX.
Obsessed! The Obsession star joked around during a panel about her hit horror.
The Pitch Perfect alum had an aca-awesome time at the Girl Group premiere.
The Atonement actor celebrated his film Faith at a soirée presented by Cayman Islands, Poppi, Lavazza and Rodeo FX at the Campari Cinema Center.
Who's that girl? It's the New Girl alum having a date night with the Property Brothers star at the premiere of Trash Mountain.
The comedian spoke at the YouTube & TIFF Creator Show.