PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ The Tournament of Roses revealed the identity of the Grand Marshal for the 2007 Tournament of Roses in a ceremony held yesterday at Tournament House. George Lucas will preside as Grand Marshal over the 2007 Tournament of Roses, themed Our Good Nature.
Tournament of Roses President Paul L. Holman was joined on stage by Chewbacca and Wicket the Ewok to announce the extraordinary filmmaker as Grand Marshal who will lead the New Year’s Day celebration in Pasadena. As Grand Marshal, George Lucas will ride in the 118th Rose Parade in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 93rd Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2007.
"George Lucas has brought excitement and entertainment to the world for more than three decades. His creativity and talent has opened up new worlds for all of us to imagine, and has shown us how good nature can prevail. I cannot think of a better person to lead us down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day, especially since 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of Star Wars," said Holman. "We are delighted to welcome George to our Tournament family and hope he enjoys the experience as much as we will."
"It is a true honor to be named the Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade and it will be exciting to be in the midst of so many talented performers and magical floats," said Grand Marshal George Lucas when accepting his role as the 2007 Tournament of Roses ambassador. "The Rose Parade has entertained me all of my life, and it will be a true joy to be part of this historic parade."
A Modesto, California native, George Lucas has kept audiences entertained around the world for more than three decades as one of the world’s most popular filmmakers. His devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films of all time. Among the many movies he has produced are the six that make up the Star Wars saga. Star Wars became an international phenomenon, breaking all box-office records and setting new standards for sophistication in film visuals and sound. Not only did it garner eight Academy Awards, but it inspired a generation of young people to follow their imagination and dreams.
George Lucas created the classic adventurer Indiana Jones, and co-wrote and executive-produced the Indiana Jones trilogy. He directed the breakthrough film American Graffiti and wrote the story and executive produced the fantasy Willow. Not only has he created legendary movies, George Lucas has also created Lucasfilm Ltd., which has grown into one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Lucasfilm Ltd. includes Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, and together the three companies have been nominated for more than 100 Academy Awards and received 40 Oscars and special achievement awards. Lucasfilm is also parent to multi-award winning LucasArts Entertainment, which produces some of the world’s most popular interactive video games. In addition to his many projects, George Lucas is also the chairman of the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, serves on the board of the Film Foundation and is a member of the USC School of Cinema-Television Advisory Board. Over the years, Lucas has received some of the entertainment industry’s highest honors and will now add his reign as the 2007 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal to the list.
The 118th Rose Parade, themed Our Good Nature, will take place on Monday, January 1, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands from throughout the nation. Following the Rose Parade, at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the 93rd Rose Bowl Game will feature an exciting match up between two championship teams, showcasing the best of collegiate football.
