Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgard's surprise kiss during standing ovation at Cannes sparks frenzy

CANNES, FRANCE: The Cannes Film Festival, known for glamour, cinematic celebration, and the occasional viral moments, saw one of its most talked-about highlights this year involving actors Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgard.

Following the premiere of 'Pillion', in which Skarsgard plays a dominating biker, the two actors shared a warm embrace that concluded with what appeared to be a brief and possibly playful smooch. This drew considerable attention both at the festival and on social media.

Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgard spark frenzy with viral kiss moment at 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Alexander Skarsgard received a roaring seven-minute standing ovation for his performance in 'Pillion', a daring new film exploring a same-sex romance in London’s underground club scene.

As the room filled with cheers, Pascal stood to celebrate his friend, clapping enthusiastically from the crowd.

Skarsgard made his way to Pascal, placing his hands firmly on his shoulders before wrapping him in a warm embrace. Cameras caught Pascal cradling Skarsgard’s face while the Swedish star leaned in to plant what many fans believed was a full-on kiss. 

However, while a higher-angle shot has since clarified that the smooch landed on the cheek, the damage or delight was already done. Fans quickly flooded social media with reactions ranging from over-the-top thirst to outright declarations of love.

Though the film itself has already earned glowing early reviews, much of the post-premiere buzz focused on the actors’ genuine affection for one another.

Viewers on social media couldn’t get enough of the hug, kiss, and dashing fashion choices, with many dubbing the actors the festival’s “best dressed” and “most endearing duo.”

'Pillion', which centers on a budding relationship between two men navigating love, identity, and power dynamics, has been praised for its bold storytelling and emotional depth. Skarsgard’s performance in particular has been described as “mesmerizing” and “unexpectedly tender.”

Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgard's 'kiss' sends fans into frenzy

The moment between Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgard has sent the internet into a frenzy. After the pair shared a kiss during a recent red carpet appearance, fans were quick to react with unfiltered enthusiasm.

Social media lit up with comments praising both the moment and the men behind it.

“I just love Alexander Skarsgård. I would climb that man like a pole,” one user joked. “Holy S**t. Hot man fantasy!!! And two of the most awesome, morally ethical dudes on the planet. Which makes them both 100 times hotter!!” another chimed in.

The playful exchange between Pascal and Skarsgård sparked a wave of swooning, memes, and admiration across platforms. “2 of the hottest men in Hollywood!” one fan declared, while another exclaimed, “Isn’t thiiis gorgeous??? I am still screaming.”

The kiss prompted humorous jealousy, too with one writing, “WHY HIM AND NOT ME???”

“Mmmm and they’re both boys,” one commenter simply noted. 

Fans clearly couldn’t get enough of the dynamic duo, with another writing, “I love both of these men sooooo much.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.