Peter Jackson at Cannes 2024: AI, New Films, and a Palme d’Or Honor

The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and Day 2 delivered major headlines, from an honorary award for a legendary director to a blockbuster franchise making waves on the Croisette.

Peter Jackson Receives Honorary Palme d’Or and Weighs in on AI

Peter Jackson, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes 2024. The recognition capped a day that included a masterclass where Jackson shared his evolving views on technology in filmmaking.

Jackson, known for his early embrace of digital innovation, stated that he does not “dislike” AI being used in film production. He pointed to his work on The Beatles: Get Back, where AI helped refine footage and audio from the original 1969 sessions. While joking that AI might “destroy the world,” he clarified his stance:

“To me, it’s a special effect. It’s no different from other special effects.”

Jackson also addressed concerns about AI’s ethical and environmental impact, noting that AI-generated characters are unlikely to win awards. He singled out Andy Serkis’ performance-driven work in The Hunt for Gollum as an example of human creativity, emphasizing that Serkis directed the 2009 fan film entirely himself. Jackson also revealed he is writing a new Tintin movie and hopes to direct it, following a long-standing agreement with Steven Spielberg to alternate directing duties—though Jackson admitted feeling “very awkward” about the delay since Spielberg’s 2011 film.

Renate Reinsve Returns to Cannes with ‘Fjord’

Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, fresh off her Cannes success with The Worst Person in the World (2021), returned to the festival with Fjord, a drama directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days).

The film stars Reinsve and Sebastian Stan as a Norwegian-Romanian couple navigating cultural clashes in a small Norwegian town. Their conservative religious lifestyle collides with their liberal neighbors, creating tension around parenting and societal expectations. Reinsve reflected on her previous Cannes experience, recalling the 19-minute standing ovation she received for The Worst Person in the World last year.

Fast & Furious Brings High-Octane Energy to Cannes

The Fast & Furious franchise made a splash on the Croisette, with the cast and crew bringing their signature mix of speed, stunts, and family dynamics. While details remain under wraps, the appearance underscored the franchise’s global appeal and its ability to draw crowds at one of cinema’s most prestigious events.