George Lucas, father of the saga of Star Warswill receive the Palm of Honor on May 25, during the closing ceremony of the 77e Cannes Film Festival, the organizers announced on Tuesday April 9. “The Cannes Film Festival has always held a special place in my heartcomments George Lucas in a festival press release. I was surprised and delighted when my first film, THX-1138was selected to be screened on the Croisette in 1971.” “Since then, I have returned to the festival numerous times as a screenwriter, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition, which means a lot to me. »
The Cannes Film Festival compares the director to JRR Tolkien, writer and creator of Lord of the Rings. George Lucas “imagine a universe, with its geography, its populations, its languages, its moral values and even its vehicles”. Through “the nine episodes of the Star Wars saga – four of which were directed by himself – George Lucas built a Hollywood empire”once again salutes the festival, the next edition of which will take place from May 14 to 25.
“Outstanding producer”
This Hollywood landmark, 79 years old, “has forever given the blockbuster its letters of nobility and spectators around the world an unparalleled pleasure”still praise Cannes officials.
George Lucas is also “an outstanding producer”, as the festival reminds us : beyond Star Wars, it is “associated with the development of legendary films from several directors ranging from Kagemusha from Akira Kurosawa to the saga Indiana Joneswhich he imagined (started by Steven Spielberg behind the camera) ».
The official Cannes selection will be revealed on Thursday. The presence of big names in Hollywood cinema has already been noted. Kevin Costner is back to the western with Horizon: An American Saga, presented out of competition. Still out of competition, Furiosanew part of the franchise Mad Max by George Miller, will grace the red carpet with its stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth.