John Travolta received an unexpected Golden Palm of Honor at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, according to EL PAÍS. The actor was visibly moved. Saying the honor meant ‘more than an Oscar.’ He expressed his surprise to festival delegate general Thierry Frémaux, saying, ‘I didn’t know it would be for this.’.

A Personal and Nostalgic Project

Travolta, best known for roles in Grease and Pulp Fiction, directed his first film, Propeller One-Way Night Coach (translated as Ven a volar conmigo), which is being shown at Cannes in a non-competitive section, according to EL PAÍS and 20Minutos. The film is an adaptation of a 1997 story he wrote, inspired by his lifelong passion for aviation, and it recounts his childhood memories, including his first airplane ride, and the people he has met along the way. The film also features his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta, who plays an acting role.

Travolta has accumulated 9. 000 flight hours and has even piloted planes in two of his movies: Mira quién habla (1989) and Alarma nuclear (1996), according to EL PAÍS. The film’s nostalgic tone reflects his personal connection to the golden age of aviation. 20Minutos noted that the project is especially personal as it is based on a children’s book Travolta wrote for his firstborn son, Jett, who died in 2009 after battling various illnesses.

Red Carpet Moments and a New Chapter

Travolta attended the premiere of his film alongside his daughter, as reported by Page Six. The two wore matching black outfits and posed for photos on the red carpet. The event also featured other celebrities, including model Barbara Palvin, who revealed her pregnancy, and actress Simone Ashley, who wore a red gown. The 2026 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 12 to May 23, includes 22 films in its official competition, according to GALA.de.

The festival is being chaired by South Korean director Park Chan-wook, with Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, and Stellan Skarsgård among the jurors. The official poster for the festival pays tribute to the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, celebrating its 35th anniversary and its portrayal of strong female characters.

A Legacy of Aviation and Art

Travolta’s journey into aviation began as a child when he would watch planes take off from LaGuardia Airport in New York, according to EL PAÍS. His passion for flying has influenced both his personal life and his creative work. 20Minutos noted that this marks a new chapter in Travolta’s career, expanding beyond acting into directing. The film is part of a broader effort to explore the emotional and artistic impact of his experiences.

The Cannes Film Festival has long been a symbol of cinematic excellence and glamour. As reported by GALA.de, the festival’s red carpet is as much about fashion as it is about film. Celebrities like Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor have historically made the Croisette a runway for high fashion. This year’s event continues that tradition, with Travolta and others drawing attention for their appearances.