Cannes Film Festival is honored to recognize Michael Douglas’s contributions to the film industry and his unwavering commitment to social causes. Douglas will receive the Palme d’Or d’Honneur, and the festival will pay tribute to him during the Opening Ceremony on May 16.
Michael Douglas, the renowned American actor and producer, is set to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 76th Festival de Cannes, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema and his commitment to the industry. This prestigious award has been previously bestowed upon Forest Whitaker, Agnès Varda, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Jodie Foster, and Manoel de Oliveira.
During the opening ceremony on May 16th, the Festival de Cannes will pay tribute to Douglas for his impressive career and his dedication to the art of filmmaking. This marks Douglas’ fourth appearance at the festival, having first walked the red carpet in 1979 with actors Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon, and director James Bridges for the presentation of «The China Syndrome.»
« It is always a breath of fresh air to be at Cannes, which has long provided a wonderful platform for bold creators, artistic audacities and excellence in storytelling. From my first time here in 1979 for The China Syndrome to my most recent premiere for Behind the Candelabra in 2013, the Festival has always reminded me that magic of cinema is not just in what we see onscreen but in its ability to impact people all around the world. After more than 50 years in the business, it’s an honor to return to the Croisette to open the Festival and embrace our shared global language of film. »
It is always a breath of fresh air to be at Cannes, which has long provided a wonderful platform for bold creators, artistic audacities and excellence in storytelling. From my first time here in 1979 for The China Syndrome to my most recent premiere for Behind the Candelabra in 2013, the Festival has always reminded me that magic of cinema is not just in what we see onscreen but in its ability to impact people all around the world. After more than 50 years in the business, it’s an honor to return to the Croisette to open the Festival and embrace our shared global language of film.
Michael Douglas
Honorary Palme d’or of the 76th Festival de Cannes
Over the years, Douglas has collaborated with some of the greatest filmmakers in the industry, including Robert Zemeckis, Ridley Scott, and Oliver Stone. His role as Gordon Gekko in Stone’s «Wall Street» won him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1987, and he has since produced and acted in numerous successful films such as «Basic Instinct» and «Falling Down.»
Douglas’ connection to the Festival de Cannes dates back to his father, Kirk Douglas, who presided over the Jury in 1980 and awarded the Palme d’Or to Akira Kurosawa and Bob Fosse for their respective films, «Kagemusha» and «All That Jazz.» In addition to his acting career, Michael Douglas has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 1998 and has advocated for nuclear disarmament and gun control in the United States.
The Festival de Cannes is proud to honor Michael Douglas and his remarkable achievements in the film industry. The award is a testament to his passion, talent, and dedication, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Palais du Festival.
by Vera Kamenkova