Cannes 2024: George Lucas to be honoured with prestigious award
Ahead of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, directing legend George Lucas will be given an honorary Palme d’Or next month.
In a statement issued on April 9th, festival organisers praised Lucas’ contribution to cinema over the last four decades, and the indelible mark he’s left on the movie industry. “In the space of 40 years, George Lucas built a Hollywood empire through the nine episodes of the [Star Wars] saga — four of which he directed himself,” they said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Lucas said of the award: “The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart…I am truly honoured by this special recognition, which means a great deal to me.”
This is far from the first time that Lucas has attended the Cannes Film Festival. Outside of working on his various blockbusters, Lucas spoke proudly about his history with the festival and how it has supported his career from the beginning.
The director continued: “I was surprised and elated when my first film, THX-1138, was selected to be shown in a new program for first time directors called the Directors’ Fortnight. Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honored by this special recognition which means a great deal to me.”
Of course, Lucas’ contribution to film goes far beyond just a trip to a galaxy far, far away. Outside of his first major films, Lucas famously teamed up with fellow movie legend Steven Spielberg to helm the Indiana Jones franchise, serving as the executive producer on every one of the films up until Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Along with Spielberg, Lucas was recently recognised as one of the richest figures in Hollywood. In light of the various franchises he has helped create and his film company Lucasfilm being sold to Disney, it’s been estimated that the director has a net worth of $5.5 billion.
Despite being one of the most recognisable storytellers of his generation, Lucas also had a heavy hand in bringing different animation styles into mainstream media. When working on the Star Wars prequels and beyond, Lucas would be at the forefront of new technology, with the festival praising him for being “one of the pioneers of the visual effects industry”.
Additionally, Lucas founded the animation company Pixar, which has become the home of Disney franchises such as Toy Story and Inside Out. While there has been no word on any new film projects from Lucas, his tribute at Cannes will take place next month. The festival is set to run from May 14th until May 25th.
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