The festival gives Forest Whitaker an honorary Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award.

The American actor Forest Whitaker received an honorary Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony for the 75th edition of the festival on Tuesday.

At the ceremony, the festival played clips from some of his of movies — “Bird,” “Ghost Dog,” “The Color of Money,” “Panic Room.” And in the theater, the actor received a standing ovation.

A familiar face at the festival, Whitaker said in a statement: “It’s always a privilege to return to this beautiful festival to both screen my own work, and to be inspired by many of the world’s greatest artists — and I feel incredibly honored to be celebrated as part of the festival’s momentous 75th anniversary.”