Renowned filmmakers George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola shared a heartfelt moment at the Cannes Film Festival, as Lucas was presented with the honorary Palme d'Or on Saturday night. The event was marked by an enthusiastic standing ovation and emotional exchanges between the longtime friends.

The ceremony began with a thunderous applause, with Lucas acknowledging the crowd's support with a thumbs-up and tearful eyes. Coppola then took the stage, reminiscing about their enduring bond that began when Lucas shadowed him on the set of "Finian's Rainbow" in 1968. He recalled how Lucas consistently provided brilliant suggestions, starting a lifelong association between the two directors.

Coppola also highlighted Lucas' determination when faced with adversity, mentioning his rejection by the owners of the "Flash Gordon" comic strip for a film adaptation. Undeterred, Lucas resolved to make his own movie, eventually creating the iconic "Star Wars" franchise that revolutionized the industry. Coppola expressed his pride and congratulated Lucas for his accomplishments, acknowledging the worldwide recognition of his talent.

In his acceptance speech, Lucas expressed his gratitude to the audience, emphasizing his humble origins growing up in a vineyard in Modesto, California, before making films in San Francisco alongside Coppola. Reflecting on his nearly six decades in the film industry, Lucas noted the significant changes that have taken place, expressing his honor to be present at the festival despite never having made a film in Hollywood as a director.

The presentation of the Palme d'Or symbolized the collaboration and mutual support between Lucas and Coppola, as the two filmmakers held hands while posing for photographs with the award. The gesture encapsulated their shared journey and the extent to which they have supported each other throughout their careers.

Earlier at the festival, Lucas participated in a conversation where he addressed criticism of the lack of diversity in the early "Star Wars" films. He responded to the notion that the majority of characters were portrayed by white men, emphasizing the underlying message of accepting people for who they are, regardless of their appearance or background.

Lucas' presence at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival was particularly significant due to his absence from the premiere of the latest "Indiana Jones" installment, "The Dial of Destiny," at last year's festival. Alongside fellow auteurs Paul Schrader and David Cronenberg, Lucas added to the star-studded lineup at Cannes this year, further cementing his status as a visionary filmmaker.

As the audience witnessed the recognition of George Lucas's contribution to the film industry, the evening became a celebration of his remarkable career and the enduring friendship between him and Francis Ford Coppola.