John Travolta honorary Palme d'Or

John Travolta received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, May 15, just before the screening of his first film as director, festival and news reports said. Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s artistic director, presented the award before “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” according to the Associated Press and AFP. Travolta, 72, reacted emotionally on stage and called the honor “beyond the Oscar,” AFP reported. Festival de Cannes published official media items for the tribute on May 15 and May 16, and its live schedule listed a photocall for the film on Saturday. ### Why was Travolta in Cannes this year? “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” brought Travolta to Cannes because it marked his directorial debut, according to AFP and the Associated Press. The film is based on a children’s book Travolta wrote, and AP reported that he wrote, directed and co-produced the movie. AFP described it as an autobiographical story set in the golden age of aviation about a young airplane fan traveling to Hollywood with his mother. (festival-cannes.com) Ella Bleu Travolta, his daughter, was part of the Cannes appearance as well. AFP said the film stars Ella Bleu Travolta, and AP reported that Travolta walked the red carpet with his 26-year-old daughter before the screening. ### How did the award unfold on stage? Thierry Frémaux brought out the trophy immediately before the screening, AP reported. (france24.com) AP said Travolta clutched his chest as Frémaux handed over the honorary Palme d'Or. AFP reported that Cannes had kept the award secret until Travolta walked on stage. “This is beyond the Oscar,” Travolta said, according to AP and AFP. AFP also quoted him saying, “I just can’t believe it,” and reported that he told the audience his favorite films had long been Palme d'Or winners. ### What did Travolta say about directing for the first time? Travolta said the Cannes selection itself had already moved him before the award was announced. (2822news.com) AFP reported that he said Frémaux told him in November that the film had been accepted, and that he “cried like a baby” because he had not expected the movie to make the festival. (france24.com) The film’s family connection was central to his remarks. AFP reported that Travolta gestured toward relatives and collaborators in the audience and said the film existed because of “those people right there.” ### How does this fit into Cannes’ recent honorary awards? Cannes has used surprise honorary Palmes before, AP reported. (france24.com) The Associated Press said Tom Cruise received one unexpectedly in 2022. AP also reported that Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or during this year’s opening ceremony and that Barbra Streisand is due to receive one later in the festival. Festival material published on May 16 separately listed “Honorary Palme d’or – John TRAVOLTA,” adding an official Cannes record of the tribute. The festival’s media library also carried a May 15 item titled “John Travolta, Honorary Palme d’or.” ### Where can viewers track the next Cannes appearances tied to the film? (2822news.com) Festival de Cannes listed “PROPELLER ONE-WAY NIGHT COACH by John TRAVOLTA – Photocall” on May 16 in its live and video schedule. The same live page also showed ongoing festival coverage categories including red-carpet events, press conferences and interviews. France 24 and other outlets posted video coverage on May 16, including a clip focused on Travolta’s honorary Palme d'Or. (festival-cannes.com) Cannes’ official live page remained the clearest running schedule for the film’s next public festival appearances as of Saturday, May 16. (youtube.com) (festival-cannes.com)