Turner Classics Movies has announced that Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will open the 16th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday, April 24th, with director George Lucas in attendance to present the film.
Celebrating its 45th Anniversary, the gala presentation and opening night launches a weekend fest showcasing exclusive programming themed around “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film.”
“The Empire Strikes Back is like The Godfather Part II,” said Ben Mankiewicz, TCM Primetime Anchor and Official Host of the TCM Classic Film Festival. “Yes, technically, they’re sequels, the second movie in a series. But they are so much more. Empire not only dazzled and delighted Star Wars fans, it pushed the boundaries of moviemaking, further deepening its characters and expanding the most popular cinematic universe of all time.”
Continued Mankiewicz, “The first Star Wars picture in 1977 ignited a new era in Hollywood and turned a generation of young people into passionate movie fans for life. Then, somehow, three years later, along comes Empire, which might even be better. It’s a stunning accomplishment and surely stands one of the great achievements in the history of film.”
The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, James Earl Jones, and Frank Oz.
TCM previously announced filmmaker and founder of the American Film Institute George Stevens, Jr. as this year’s Robert Osborne Award recipient, which recognizes an individual who has helped keep the cultural heritage of classic film alive for future generations. Stevens will present the Hollywood premiere of the 4K restoration of George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey, the acclaimed film he wrote and directed about his Oscar winning father.
Additionally, the festival will pay tribute to director and producer Michael Schultz whose work has left a lasting impact on film.
Screenings and events during the festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre, and a return to the historic El Capitan Theatre.
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