The Cannes Film Festival delivered one of its most emotional moments this year when Hollywood icon John Travolta was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or ahead of the world premiere of his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach.
Festival director Thierry Frémaux presented the award to the 72-year-old star at the Debussy Theater on Friday, calling Travolta “one of the greatest actors” before handing him Cannes’ highest honorary recognition. Visibly stunned, Travolta fought back tears as the crowd erupted into applause.
“This is beyond the Oscar,” the actor said emotionally, before adding in French, “Surprise complètement! I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected. You (Fremaux) said this would be a special night, but I didn’t know it would mean this.”
Travolta used the moment to reflect on his long journey to Cannes and the deeply personal nature of Propeller One-Way Night Coach, an Apple-backed adaptation of his 1997 children’s book. The autobiographical family drama follows a young aviation enthusiast and his mother on a cross-country journey to Hollywood during the golden age of aviation. Travolta has described it as “the most personal film” of his career, with his daughter Ella Bleu Travolta also starring in the project.
Speaking onstage after the screening, Travolta thanked Frémaux for championing the film months before the festival lineup was announced. “This is a humbling moment, so thank you Thierry from the bottom of my heart,” the actor continued.
“When I met with you in November, I had no expectation that my film would be accepted. And when Thierry said it was not only accepted but it was making history because it would be the first film ever accepted that early, I cried like a baby because I just couldn’t believe it. Because in my opinion, you are the most discerning person in the movie industry. I was just happy to be here. I never expected this,” he said.
The surprise honor continues Cannes’ recent tradition of unannounced Palme tributes, following last year’s recognition of Denzel Washington. This year, honorary Palmes were also awarded to Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand.
Propeller One-Way Night Coach begins streaming on Apple TV+ from May 29.
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