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John Travolta’s Directorial Debut at Cannes Earns Surprise Honorary Palme d’Or

The honor underscores Cannes’ embrace of his 61‑minute, family‑made debut ahead of its May 29 Apple TV release.

Overview

  • Propeller One‑Way Night Coach, which premiered Friday, May 15 in the festival’s Cannes Premiere section, marked Travolta’s first feature as a director.
  • Following the screening, Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux presented a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or, and Travolta grew emotional, calling the moment beyond the Oscar while recalling his first Cannes with Kelly Preston in 1994.
  • The 61‑minute film is adapted from Travolta’s 1997 book about a boy and his mother traveling in 1962, and Frémaux personally selected and protected the borderline‑length feature for the lineup.
  • Family anchors the project, with daughter Ella Bleu starring and several siblings appearing, and the film is dedicated to Travolta’s late wife Kelly Preston and son Jett.
  • The film will stream globally on Apple TV on May 29, signaling a fast festival‑to‑home release that could broaden its audience soon after Cannes.