Peter Jackson receives honorary Palme d’Or

The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened with politics, artificial intelligence and the shifting priorities of Hollywood taking centre stage at the film gathering on the French Riviera. The festival launched on Tuesday with a tribute to director Peter Jackson, handing the Lord of the Rings filmmaker an honorary Palme d’Or. He was introduced by actor Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins in Jackson’s fantasy franchise, one of many notable faces on the Cannes red carpet, including Bong Joon Ho, Joan Collins, Heidi Klum and James Franco. “I’ve never figured out why I’m getting a Palme d’Or. I’m not a Palme d’Or sorta guy,” said the shaggy haired New Zealand filmmaker.