George Lucas will soon add another film honor to his storied career. This spring, Lucas will receive the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
The Star Wars and Indiana Jones filmmaker will accept the honor on May 25 during the festival’s closing ceremony.
“The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart,” Lucas said in a statement. “I was surprised and elated when my first film, THX-1138, was selected to be shown in a new program for first time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director, and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me.”
In the announcement for the award, Cannes praised Lucas for his “unflagging passion for technology,” calling him a pioneer of visual effects. The announcement also acknowledged Lucas’ worldbuilding and impact on Hollywood through Star Wars, building “a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of the saga — four of which he directed himself.”
Though Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny premiered at Cannes last year, Lucas himself did not attend. This year, the filmmaker will join the likes of George Miller (presenting Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Kevin Costner (Horizon: An American Saga) at the festival. Barbie director Greta Gerwig will also attend, as she will preside over this year’s Cannes jury.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14 – 25. The festival will announce its official selection on April 11.
For more updates, check back to THS.
