John Travolta Receives Surprise Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes for Debut Film

John Travolta received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on Friday, presented by festival director Thierry Frémaux just before the world premiere of his directorial debut, Propeller OneWay Night Coach. The 72-year-old actor, star of films including Pulp Fiction and Grease, was visibly emotional as he accepted the lifetime achievement-style honor, calling it “beyond the Oscar” and expressing disbelief at the timing and the recognition.

Travolta, who attended the festival alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta, had also arrived on Cannes red carpets in a distinctive ensemble that included a cream beret and tailored formalwear. In his acceptance remarks, he said he had no expectation that his film would be accepted so early, adding that when Frémaux told him the project had been chosen, he “cried like a baby.” He also thanked Frémaux “from the bottom of my heart,” describing the award as a humbling moment.

Propeller OneWay Night Coach is based on the 1997 children’s book of the same name that Travolta wrote. The film is described as drawing on his childhood memories, including his first airplane flight, and it follows a young airplane enthusiast,...