John Travolta was visibly moved on Friday evening, 15 May 2026, as Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux surprised him on stage at the Palais des Festivals, with an Honorary Palme d’Or.
The well-deserved award came moments before the premiere of the 72-year-old’s directorial debut – Propeller One-Way Night Coach – which is based on a book the Hollywood actor wrote 30 years ago, for his son. The film tells the story of how Travolta’s passion for flying was borne.
As the humbled star accepted the golden award, he was met with a standing ovation from the audience, which included global members of the press, his family, and one of his friends – Prince Albert II of Monaco.
In a nod to the prestigious nature of the Cannes Film Festival, Travolta said that receiving a Palme d’Or means more to him than winning an Oscar.
WATCH VIDEO of John Travolta in Cannes being presented with a surprise Palme d’Or award
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