The National Times - George Lucas to get special Cannes festival award

"Star Wars is nothing short of mythology," organisers said in a statement paying tribute to the legendary 79-year-old producer and director who will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or on May 25.

"The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart," said Lucas, whose first movie, THX 1138, was shown at the French festival in 1971.

"Since then, I have returned to the festival on many occasions in a variety of capacities as a writer, director and producer. I am truly honoured by this special recognition which means a great deal to me," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Organisers compared Lucas' achievement with the nine "Stars Wars" movies to J.R.R. Tokien, writer of the "Lords of the Rings" series.

"He imagined a universe, with its geography, populations, languages, moral values and even its vehicles," said the statement, which highlighted the "unprecedented success".

"The film captivated American crowds and became a worldwide socio-cultural phenomenon, which continues to this day."

As a producer, Lucas also created the Indiana Jones series of movies and was associated with projects such as Akira Kurosawa’s "Kagemusha".

The Cannes festival will be held from May 14 to May 25. Organisers will announce the official selection of movies on Thursday.

M.Wilson--TNT