AceShowbiz - John Travolta is to be honored by Variety at the Cannes Film Festival. The 64-year-old will receive the film trade publication's inaugural Cinema Icon Award following a special gala screening of his new movie "Gotti" at the French festival on May 15.

Steven Gaydos, Variety vice president and executive editor, said Travolta's "illustrious career" "splendidly qualify" him to receive the award. The star will also hold an acting masterclass in the Bunuel Theater in Cannes on May 16, before a special screening of his beloved movie musical "Grease" on the beach.

Travolta plays crime boss John Gotti Sr. in his new biographical drama about his rise to the head of the Gambino family and Gotti's multiple criminal trials and eventual prison sentence.

The film's score was composed by Pitbull, who will also perform at the special Cannes event at Hotel du Cap.

"Gotti", directed by Kevin Connolly and co-starring Kelly Preston and Stacy Keach, is set for release on June 15.