John Travolta Cries as Cannes Surprises Him With Honorary Palme d’Or: ‘This Is Beyond the Oscar’

May 15, 2026 10:14am PT John Travolta Cries as Cannes Surprises Him With Honorary Palme d’Or: ‘This Is Beyond the Oscar’

By Zack Sharf, Ellise Shafer, Angelique Jackson

John Travolta got a major Cannes surprise ahead of the world premiere of his directorial debut “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” when the festival presented him with an honorary Palme d’Or, which is the Cannes equivalent of a lifetime achievement prize. Travolta was shocked and overwhelmed by the surprise honor, holding back tears while saying: “This is beyond the Oscar.”

“Surprise complétement!” an emotional Travolta exclaimed in French as the crowd erupted into rapturous applause. “I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.”

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