After much fanfare, the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival culminated on Saturday with the awarding of an Honorary Palme d’Or to George Lucas, legendary filmmaker and the creator of the Star Wars franchise. Presented by Lucas’ longtime friend, collaborator and famed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the award followed a thunderous five-minute standing ovation from the audience. “Congratulations George, not only are your many friends and I proud of you, but the whole world of cinema is too,” Deadline quoted Coppola as he handed over the award to his friend.
Francis Ford Coppola, right, embraces George Lucas prior to awarding him the honorary Palme d’Or during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024| Photo Credit:ANDREEA ALEXANDRU Lucas expressed his appreciation for the recognition, acknowledging his extensive history with the festival. His debut film, THX-1138 , screened in the Directors’ Fortnight section in 1971. Notably, Coppola, whose film Megalopolis also premiered at Cannes this year, served as a producer on THX-1138 , a film that played quite a popular role in why Lucas persuaded Coppola to take up an offer to make The Godfather .
Their collaboration continued with Lucas directing and writing the critically acclaimed American Graffiti (1973). The history between these lifelong friends goes way back to 1968 when the two met on the sets of Coppola’s Finian’s Rainbow . “Pleased to h.
