Michael Douglas, the Oscar-winning star of films like “Fatal Attraction,” “Wall Street,” “Basic Instinct” and most recently Marvel’s “Ant-Man,” will be recognized this month with the honorary Palm of Honor. of the Cannes Film Festival. Or for the achievement of a lifetime.
According to a festival announcement on Wednesday, the 78-year-old Hollywood veteran will be the subject of a tribute at the opening ceremony on May 16. It will mark his return to the Croisette after 10 years, where he first debuted HBO co-star Matt Damon. “Behind the candlestick.” The celebrated actor, and son of Hollywood royalty Kirk Douglas, made his Cannes debut in 1979 alongside Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon and director James Bridges for the premiere of “The China Syndrome.”
The tribute to Douglas will also be commemorated with the premiere of the previously unseen documentary, “Michael Douglas, The Prodigal Son” by filmmaker Amine Mesta. Produced by Folamour and soon to be broadcast by Arte, the project will screen at the festival for two days starting May 14.
An Arte France and Folamour Productions production, with the support of Ciné+, the documentary’s official tagline reads: “This special documentary shows us how Michael, an actor and producer like his father Kirk, had to embrace his resemblance throughout his life. his remarkable career to assert his difference. The time to learn how to become Michael when your name is Douglas.”
“It’s always a breath of fresh air to be in Cannes, which has long provided a wonderful platform for daring creators, artistic audacity and storytelling excellence,” Douglas said in a statement. “From my first time here in 1979 for The China Syndrome to my most recent premiere of Behind the Candelabra in 2013, the Festival has always reminded me that the magic of cinema is not only in what we see on the screen, but in its ability to impact people in general. worldwide. After more than 50 years in business, it is an honor to return to the Croisette to open the Festival and embrace our shared global film language.”
The 2023 Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 16 to 27.
