Trending Now - Peter Jackson Honored at Cannes by Elijah Wood for 'LOTR' Legacy

WHO:

Variety - Peter Jackson, Oscar-winning director, received an honorary Palme d'Or from Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings."

Deadline - Elijah Wood presented the Honorary Palme d'Or to Peter Jackson at the Cannes Film Festival.

WHAT:

ABC News - The 79th Cannes Film Festival launched, marking the start of 12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or.

ABC News - Peter Jackson was serenaded with a rendition of the Beatles’ “Get Back” during the ceremony.

Variety - Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Deadline - The presentation occurred during the opening ceremony of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

WHERE:

Variety - The event took place at the Cannes Film Festival.

WHEN:

Deadline - The honorary Palme d'Or was presented during the opening ceremony of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

WHY:

ABC News - Paul Laverty, a jury member, discussed the significance of holding a film festival during geopolitical conflict, referencing the festival's poster of “Thelma and Louise” and the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Variety - Peter Jackson credited the Cannes Film Festival for saving "The Lord of the Rings," describing it as a "huge gamble."

HOW:

ABC News - The nine-member jury for the Palme d’Or is presided over by Park Chan-wook, with other members including Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga, and Demi Moore.

Variety - Elijah Wood recalled meeting Peter Jackson for the first time at 18 after sending in an audition video.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 21:23 UTC)

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off, launching twelve days of exciting premieres that will wrap up with the prestigious Palme d’Or presentation on May 23. During the opening ceremony, filmmaker Peter Jackson was treated to a heartfelt performance of the Beatles’ classic “Get Back.” Paul Laverty, a jury member, highlighted the importance of hosting the festival amid geopolitical tensions, referencing the festival's poster of “Thelma and Louise” alongside the ongoing situation in Gaza, while the nine-member jury, led by Park Chan-wook, includes notable figures like Chloé Zhao and Demi Moore.

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(UPDATED May 12, 2026 19:34 UTC)

Peter Jackson, the Oscar-winning director, was honored with an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, presented by Elijah Wood, who famously portrayed Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings." This special moment took place during the opening ceremony of the festival's 79th edition, where Jackson expressed gratitude, crediting Cannes for saving his iconic film series. Wood reminisced about their first meeting when he was just 18, recalling how he sent in an audition video that ultimately led to their collaboration.