Lily Gladstone Presents Ron Howard with Profile in Excellence Award at Cannes Film Festival

Lily Gladstone, who stars in the film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” recently presented director Ron Howard with the Profile in Excellence Award at the Cannes Film Festival. During her speech, Gladstone expressed her admiration for Howard and even jokingly asked him to narrate her life. She revealed that she often hears his voice in her head, especially when something reminds her of the hit comedy series “Arrested Development,” which Howard executive produced and narrated.

Gladstone went on to mention Howard’s 1988 movie, “Willow,” which she credits with sparking her love for film. She explained that the film introduced her to her first hero, Madmartigan, whom she believed was Native American. In fact, the character’s name in the show “Reservation Dogs” is inspired by a character from “Willow.”

In his acceptance speech, Howard took the opportunity to acknowledge his own mentors and heroes. He expressed his gratitude to George Lucas, who cast him in the 1973 movie “American Graffiti.” Howard shared that Lucas played a significant role in his career, helping him transition from being a child performer to becoming a successful actor on a global scale. This eventually led to Howard landing the iconic role of Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days” before venturing into directing and establishing his own production company, Imagine Entertainment.

Howard emphasized how Lucas recognized and supported his ambition to become a filmmaker, despite the skepticism from others about transitioning from sitcoms to directing. He credited Lucas with believing in him and giving him the opportunity to pursue his dreams.

In addition to honoring Lucas, Howard also paid tribute to Roger Corman, a renowned B-movie filmmaker who recently passed away. Corman was instrumental in Howard’s directorial debut with the film “Grand Theft Auto” in 1977.

The event also featured Variety’s Ramin Setoodeh, who took the stage alongside Gladstone and Howard. It was a night filled with appreciation for the influential figures who have shaped the careers of talented individuals in the film industry.

Overall, the presentation of the Profile in Excellence Award not only celebrated Ron Howard’s achievements but also highlighted the impact of mentors and heroes in the lives of artists and filmmakers. It showcased the power of support and belief in one’s aspirations, and how these influential figures can shape the trajectory of a person’s career.