John Travolta fights back tears after surprise Palme d’Or honor at Cannes: ‘This is beyond Oscar’

CANNES, FRANCE: John Travolta was both happy and emotional after receiving one of the biggest surprises upon arriving at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor-director became visibly moved while accepting the Honorary Palme d’Or. 

Holding the prestigious award, Travolta said, “This is beyond the Oscar.” He also thanked Thierry Fremaux for making the moment so special. Although the two-time Oscar-nominated actor has attended Cannes several times before, this was the first time he received such a prestigious honour at the festival.

John Travolta gets emotional after Cannes honour

Travolta attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of his directorial debut, 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach'. However, before the screening, the actor-filmmaker had no knowledge that he would be presented with the Honorary Palme d’Or.

Travolta appeared shocked and overwhelmed by the unexpected recognition, holding back tears as he said, “Surprise completement!” in French while the audience erupted into thunderous applause. “I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.”

Turning towards Cannes director Thierry Fremaux, Travolta added, “You said this would be a special night, but I didn’t know it would mean this.” Fremaux responded, “We knew!” “This is a humbling moment, so thank you Thierry from the bottom of my heart,” Travolta continued.

“When I met with you in November, I had no expectation that my film would be accepted. And when Thierry said it was not only accepted but it was making history because it would be the first film ever accepted that early.”

“I cried like a baby because I just couldn’t believe it. Because in my opinion, you are the most discerning person in the movie industry. I was just happy to be here! I never expected this. Thank you so much,” an emotional Travolta said.

John Travolta gets emotional talking about his family at Cannes

After the screening of his hour-long film at the Film Festival, Travolta came back on stage to speak with Fremaux. During the conversation, Travolta shared how his love for aviation started when he was a child.

The 'Pulp Fiction' star also revealed that he cried when Frémaux told him that the film had been selected for Cannes five months before the festival. Pointing at his family sitting in the audience, Travolta said, “Why this film exists and actually why I exist as an artist is because of that group of people right there.”

He explained that the lead character in the film was inspired by his older sister, Ellen, and his mother, who played a big role in shaping his dreams and career. “So this is just a little taste of my origins and what it was like to be me when I was little. So I hope you enjoyed it. It means the world to me that you’re here,” Travolta said.