John Travolta Explains Cannes Beret Choice as Tribute to Classic Directors

The Cannes Film Festival, a pinnacle of global cinema, has been graced not only by moving tributes but also by distinctive style choices, notably from legendary actor John Travolta. The 72-year-old star, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Honorary Palme d'Or, captured attention with his choice of a beret and round glasses on the red carpet and during photo calls. Travolta has now shared the philosophy behind this striking look, revealing it as a heartfelt homage to cinema's golden era.

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Old-school directors wore berets and glasses. I thought, 'I'll do the same thing.'

Speaking with CNN International, Travolta, who was attending Cannes to promote his directorial debut 'Propeller One-Way Night' starring his daughter Ella Bleu Travolta, explained that his fashion statement was rooted in a profound respect for film history. "Old-school directors wore berets and glasses. I thought, 'I'll do the same thing','" he stated, reflecting on his five-decade career. He adopted the persona, telling himself, "This time I'm the director. You're the actor, play the director's role. Look like an old-school director."

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This time I'm the director. You're the actor, play the director's role. Look like an old-school director.

Travolta revealed that before adopting this iconic style, he conducted extensive research, studying vintage photographs and drawing inspiration from cinematic giants like Ingmar Bergman and Francis Ford Coppola. He aimed to immortalize his Cannes memories, stating, "I will pay tribute to being a director. So I will play the role of a director, and then when I look back, I will say, 'Ah, this was 'Propeller One-Way Night' Coach, this was Cannes, this was when I won the Palme d'Or.' I will remember this vividly."

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I will pay tribute to being a director. So I will play the role of a director, and then when I look back, I will say, 'Ah, this was 'Propeller One-Way Night' Coach, this was Cannes, this was when I won the Palme d'Or.' I will remember this vividly.

Festival artistic director Thierry Frémaux presented Travolta with the Honorary Palme d'Or before the film's world premiere. Overcome with emotion, Travolta, wearing his signature beret, clutched his chest and declared the award to be "beyond an Oscar," expressing his disbelief and gratitude.

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This is beyond an Oscar. I can't believe it. I never expected this.