George Lucas Presents 45th Anniversary Screening of Empire Strikes Back at TCM Festival

The 16th annual TCM Classic Film Festival will open with a special 45th anniversary presentation of 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' on April 24, with director George Lucas in attendance. TCM Primetime Anchor Ben Mankiewicz praised the film as an exceptional sequel that pushed the boundaries of moviemaking and deepened its iconic characters. The festival, themed 'Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film,' will also feature other films and events throughout the weekend, including a hand-and-footprint ceremony for Michelle Pfeiffer. Additionally, George Stevens Jr. will receive the Robert Osborne Award for his contributions to preserving classic film heritage. The festival will take place at prominent venues in Hollywood, including the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This year’s event is expected to attract significant attention, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Star Wars franchise.