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Cannes Honors John Travolta With Surprise Honorary Palme Before Directorial Debut

The festival spotlighted a personal debut feature based on a book he wrote for his late son.

Overview

  • The Cannes Film Festival presented Travolta with the honorary Palme d'Or on Friday before his Théâtre Debussy premiere, in a surprise tribute led by festival chief Thierry Frémaux.
  • Visibly moved on stage, Travolta told the crowd he "can't believe it" and called the recognition "bigger than an Oscar."
  • His first film as a director, Propeller One-Way Night Coach (Nachtflug nach L.A.), adapts a 1997 children's book he wrote for his son Jett, and follows a young boy's first flight.
  • Several outlets report Apple has acquired the film for streaming following its Cannes bow.
  • The honorary trophy is distinct from the competitive Palme d'Or, a prize linked to Travolta's past as Pulp Fiction won Cannes' top award in 1994.