Whitaker received the first standing ovation of the opening ceremony.
American actor Forest Whitaker received an honorary Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony for the 75th edition of the Cannes festival on Tuesday. The actor’s production company is at the festival this year showing For the Sake of Peace a documentary on the war in South Sudan.
Whitaker won the best actor award at Cannes 34 years ago for Clint Eastwood’s Bird and during his speech at the opening ceremony, he received the first standing ovation of the festival. In a statement, the actor said, “It’s always a privilege to return to this beautiful festival to both screen my own work, and to be inspired by many of the world’s greatest artists — and I feel incredibly honoured to be celebrated as part of the festival’s momentous 75th anniversary.”
Cannes, considered one of the world’s biggest film festivals will run from May 17-28, back to its traditional calendar following two years of pandemic disruptions, and marking the return of parties and high hopes for the industry.
Read about the Kenyan short film screening at Cannes this year.
