Peter Jackson to Receive Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival

Peter Jackson will receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the opening night ceremony of the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Festival organizers noted that although none of his films have played the festival itself, he has left a lasting imprint on the event. Jackson first visited the Croisette in 1988 when his debut feature Bad Taste screened in the market.

He returned in 2001 to present 26 minutes of footage from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, an adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien books produced by New Line Cinema. The studio had committed more than $270 million to produce three films based on the classic.

At the time the investment was viewed as a significant risk. The preview footage shown to the press changed industry perceptions. New Line Cinema followed the screening with a large party at the Château Castellaras. Attendees included people dressed as orcs, hobbits, elves and men who danced to music that included French versions of popular songs.

A large cake modeled after one from the story was presented during the event.

In announcing the honorary award, the festival director stated there is clearly a before and an after Peter Jackson. The director added that larger-than-life cinema is Jackson’s trademark and that his approach to entertainment has permanently transformed Hollywood cinema and its conception of the spectacle.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival opens with the presentation of the honorary Palme d’Or to Jackson. The award acknowledges the director’s influence on the film industry and on the festival’s own history through his 2001 presentation.