Director Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night, presented by actor Elijah Wood, who portrayed Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. During the event, Jackson discussed his career, the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, and his decision to step back from directing the upcoming Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum, handing those duties to actor Andy Serkis.
Honorary Palme d'Or Ceremony
- Wood recounted his first meeting with Jackson, which occurred after Wood submitted an audition video at age 18.
- Jackson noted that he has grown facial hair since they first met 27 years ago.
Jackson credited the Cannes Film Festival with helping to change the public narrative around the Lord of the Rings franchise following negative press during the AOL-Time Warner merger.
- New Line Cinema founder Bob Shaye decided to screen 20 minutes of The Fellowship of the Ring at the 2001 festival to counter skepticism about the project.
- Jackson stated that this screening altered public perception of the films and built anticipation before their release.
Directing Duties for The Hunt for Gollum
- Jackson announced he will not direct the upcoming film Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum, choosing instead to hand director duties to Andy Serkis.
- The film is set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, focusing on Gollum's psychology and addiction.
"It would be more interesting with this particular story ... if Andy Serkis directed it," Jackson stated. He added, "Andy knows this guy [Gollum] better than anybody."
- Jackson serves as a producer on the project, which is slated for release on December 17, 2027.
- "I'm leaving it to him. I'm here to help where I can. But I don't interfere," Jackson said.
Comments on Artificial Intelligence in Film
- At a Cannes masterclass, Jackson described AI as "just a special effect" and not essentially different from other visual effects.
- He stressed that using AI to replicate an actor's likeness requires proper licensing and consent.
Jackson noted that the current concern about AI may prevent a character like Gollum from receiving awards recognition, despite Serkis's performance being entirely human-generated.
- Jackson stated he does not believe the Academy Awards will recognize a motion-capture performance "in the current environment," citing concerns about AI.
Background on Gollum's Motion Capture
- Gollum's motion capture performance evolved during The Lord of the Rings production. Originally, Gollum was to be animated with Andy Serkis providing only voice, but Serkis's on-set presence led to full motion capture.
- Guillermo del Toro was initially set to direct The Hobbit films but left after Warner Bros delayed greenlighting the project, requiring further drafts.
Other Projects
- Jackson is writing a new Tintin film with Fran Walsh, as per a deal where Steven Spielberg directs one and Jackson directs another.
- Jackson expressed hope to make a film about the Dambusters Raid, a project he had initially considered before committing to The Hobbit.
- Jackson executive produced the 2024 animated film The War of the Rohirrim.
- In March 2025, Jackson announced that Stephen Colbert and his son Peter are developing a new installment titled Shadows of the Past.