16.05.2026 18:10
Hollywood's world-renowned actor John Travolta was honored with a surprise award at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his directorial debut. The 72-year-old actor, who drew attention with his new style on the red carpet, had an emotional moment on stage while receiving the Honorary Palme d'Or.
The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the cinema world, witnessed emotional moments from Hollywood legend John Travolta. The famous actor walked the red carpet in Cannes for the premiere of his debut feature film "Propeller One-Way Night Coach," adapted from his own 1997 children's book, which he also directed.
HIS STYLE DREW ATTENTION
Travolta, 72, completed his classic black suit, knitted vest, white shirt, and tie combination with a wool beanie and glasses, and his new look sparked widespread reactions on social media and among the festival committee. The famous actor was accompanied at the gala night by his 26-year-old daughter Ella Bleu Travolta, who plays a flight attendant in the film.
"THIS IS EVEN BIGGER THAN AN OSCAR"
During a special session held as part of the festival, John Travolta was surprised with the "Honorary Palme d’Or" award. Unable to hold back his tears and experiencing emotional moments on stage while receiving the award, the veteran actor said in his thank-you speech, "This is even bigger than an Oscar for me."
Cannes Film Festival Director Thierry Fremaux, while presenting the award, described Travolta as "one of the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries."
HIS PERSONAL LIFE SHAKEN BY TRAGEDIES
The film, which brings a young aviation enthusiast's journey to Hollywood to the big screen, crowns this new era in Travolta's cinematic career while bringing the famous actor's personal losses back into the spotlight. The veteran actor, who had three children from his marriage to Kelly Preston, lost his eldest son Jett Travolta in 2009 and his wife Kelly Preston to breast cancer in 2020.
It was reported that John Travolta's film "Propeller One-Way Night Coach," which he both directed and starred in alongside his daughter, will meet audiences on the digital streaming platform Apple TV+ on May 29.