Seven of her films, whether as an actress or a director, have been showcased here, and now Jodie Foster will be the guest of honor at the Opening Ceremony of the 74th Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des festivals on Tuesday July 6. Following in the footsteps of Jeanne Moreau, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jane Fonda, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Manoel de Oliveira, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Agnès Varda and Alain Delon, Jodie Foster will receive the Festival’s Honorary Palme d’or.

“Cannes is a festival to which I owe so much, it has completely changed my life, states Jodie Foster several weeks before the event. Although I had already directed before, my first time on the Croisette was a defining moment for me. Showcasing one of my films here has always been a dream of mine. In fact, I have had several opportunities to fulfill my dream, details Foster, who told Andy Warhol that she had always wanted to become a filmmaker. Cannes is a film festival by auteur-filmakers who honoor artists. And I greatly appreciate that.”

President Pierre Lescure is overjoyed: “Jodie Foster has provided us with an amazing gift by coming to celebrate the return of the Festival on the Croisette. Her aura is unparalleled: she embodies modernity, the radiant intelligence of independence and the need for freedom.”

“Jodie never ceases to reinvent herself, adds General Delegate, Thierry Frémaux. She questions with her piercing gaze, learns from others, and is willing to step back from her beliefs in order to forge new morals. Do what is fair. An idea that she strives to convey in the decisions she makes as an actress and director, and which makes her so precious during our confusing times. We will honor her with warmth and admiration!”