Tom Cruise receives honorary Palme d’Or as fighter jets decorate sky in Cannes for Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise was lauded with a surprise Palme d’Or at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere, on May 18, capping off a big day for the three-time Oscar nominee at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film received a five-minute standing ovation from the crowd! Prior to receiving the Palme, which wasn’t expected, he was given a tribute reel before the film played. As a prelude, French fighter jets took the sky streaming blue, white and red smoke. The squadron did a second pass before theTop Gun: Maverick star took the stage at the Palais.

“An incredible evening and an incredible time,” said Cruise to the crowd, “Just to see everyone’s faces. It’s been 36 years since Top Gun and we had to hold this for two years because of the pandemic.”

“Thank you Paramount people, this was a dream to be here with you,” said the blockbuster actor, “I’m going to take this all in and I’m never going to forget this evening.”

“Thank you for being here. We’re here for you. I make these movies for all of you. I’m of you in ever meeting, in every moment,” he continued, “Especially in Cannes, you love movies.”