Ron Howard Celebrated at Cannes Film Festival

Ron Howard, the acclaimed director and producer, was honored at the Cannes Film Festival with the Profile in Excellence Award from Variety. Lily Gladstone, known for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon," presented Howard with the prestigious award, expressing her admiration for his work.

Gladstone humorously mentioned that she often hears Howard's voice in her head, especially during moments that remind her of the TV series "Arrested Development," which Howard executive produced and narrated.

She also shared how Howard's 1988 film "Willow" played a significant role in her love for cinema, citing the character Madmartigan as her first cinematic hero. Howard's influence even extends to the show "Reservation Dogs," where a character is named after one from "Willow."

During his acceptance speech, Howard expressed gratitude to his own mentors, including George Lucas and Roger Corman. Lucas, who cast Howard in "American Graffiti," played a pivotal role in Howard's transition from acting to filmmaking.

Reflecting on his journey, Howard credited Lucas for recognizing his potential as a filmmaker and supporting his ambitions. This support ultimately led Howard to establish Imagine Entertainment with Brian Grazer, marking a successful chapter in his career.

As Cannes pays tribute to George Lucas with a Palm D'Or, Howard also honored the late Roger Corman, who produced his directorial debut, "Grand Theft Auto." The event also featured Variety's Ramin Setoodeh, highlighting the industry's appreciation for Howard's contributions.