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Tag: Cannes 2026

  • John Travolta Receives Surprise Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival

    John Travolta Receives Surprise Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival

    Hollywood legend John Travolta was brought to tears after receiving a surprise honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival while attending the premiere of his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach.

    The 72-year-old actor was visibly emotional as festival organizers presented him with the prestigious award, widely regarded as Cannes’ version of a lifetime achievement honour.

    “This is beyond the Oscar,” Travolta told the audience during a standing ovation. Speaking briefly in French, he added: “A complete surprise. I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.”

    Travolta described the moment as “humbling” and thanked the festival crowd for the unexpected recognition of his decades-long contribution to cinema.

    The award-winning actor became a global star through iconic films including Grease, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction. Despite receiving two Academy Award nominations during his career, Travolta said the Cannes honour carried special emotional significance.

    The honorary Palme d’Or presentation came during the unveiling of Propeller One-Way Night Coach, a family adventure film set during the “golden age of aviation.” The project is based on Travolta’s 1997 children’s book and marks his first feature film as director.

    Travolta also co-wrote and co-produced the movie while starring in one of its leading roles alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.

    The film is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ later this month.

    This year’s Cannes Film Festival is also recognizing other major entertainment figures with honorary Palme d’Or awards, including Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand.

    Cannes has increasingly used surprise honorary awards to celebrate Hollywood icons in recent years. Actor Denzel Washington received the honour last year, while Tom Cruise was recognized during the 2022 festival.

    Travolta’s emotional appearance quickly became one of the standout moments of this year’s Cannes celebrations, drawing praise from fans and filmmakers around the world.

  • Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Returns to Cannes 20 Years After Record-Breaking Ovation

    Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Returns to Cannes 20 Years After Record-Breaking Ovation

    Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro returned to the Cannes Film Festival this week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed fantasy masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth, two decades after the movie received a historic 22-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere.

    The celebrated director attended a special screening of a newly restored version of the film on Tuesday in Cannes, France, revisiting the project that transformed his career and became one of the most influential fantasy films of modern cinema.

    Del Toro recalled arriving at Cannes in 2006 feeling anxious about the movie’s reception after facing numerous production challenges and financial setbacks during filming.

    “It was one of the few times in my life that I made a choice,” del Toro said of deciding to make the film despite difficulties securing financing. “Everything that could go wrong went wrong.”

    Set in 1944 during Francoist Spain, “Pan’s Labyrinth” follows young Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, as she escapes into a dark fantasy world while living under the control of her cruel fascist stepfather, Captain Vidal, portrayed by Sergi López.

    The visually stunning film became renowned for its haunting creatures, including the faun and the terrifying Pale Man, as well as its handcrafted practical effects and imaginative production design.

    Del Toro credited the film as a major turning point in his career, noting that before “Pan’s Labyrinth,” he was primarily known for directing Hellboy and Blade II. He later went on to direct the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water and his upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein.

    The director also reflected on the growing role of artificial intelligence and virtual filmmaking in Hollywood, emphasizing his preference for practical craftsmanship and real-world artistry.

    “I think people intrinsically know when you’ve made an effort,” del Toro said. “The more the design is something you haven’t seen before, that was made by hand, you can sense it.”

    Baquero, who was only 11 years old during filming and is now 31, also attended the anniversary screening. She described how the movie has evolved in meaning for her over the years.

    “I can enjoy more and more as time goes by,” she said. “I almost don’t see myself as that girl anymore.”

    Following its original Cannes debut, “Pan’s Labyrinth” earned widespread critical acclaim and received six Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning three Oscars for cinematography, art direction, and makeup.

    The restored edition of the film is set to return to theaters on Oct. 9 through a rerelease by Cineverse and Fathom Entertainment, introducing the modern fantasy classic to a new generation of audiences.