The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened Tuesday evening with a ceremony at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d’Or for his Lord of the Rings work. Jane Fonda launched the festivities as godmother.
Peter Jackson, 64, expressed surprise while receiving the honor from Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins. “It is unexpected, almost miraculous. The Palme, I never thought I would win one,” the New Zealand director said. He recalled past visits to Cannes, including to promote The Lord of the Rings twenty-five years ago.
Mistress of ceremonies Eye Haïdara paid tribute to comedy and journalists. Singer Theodora performed the Beatles’ Get Back with restraint. Jane Fonda, 88, stated: “I believe in the power of voices on screen. I believe cinema is an act of resistance.”
The opening film, La Vénus électrique by Pierre Salvadori, screened out of competition. Festivalgoers will follow screenings until the closing ceremony on May 23.
