Peter Jackson returns to Sitges with King Kong under his arm and a zombie ovation

What do a zombie parade, a 4K restoration, and a King Kong statuette have in common? The answer is Peter Jackson, who last night became the undisputed star of the Festival de Sitges.

The New Zealand filmmaker, known for his passion for classic monsters, received the festival’s highest honorary award. The auditorium greeted him with a long and enthusiastic ovation, making it clear that Sitges is still fan territory.

A prize in the shape of King Kong

Jackson didn’t hide his excitement as he accepted the statuette, which depicts King Kong. For him, it’s not just a trophy: he considers the 1933 film the greatest in history, so the gesture couldn’t be more personal.

The director admitted that Sitges is his favourite festival, and the feeling seems mutual. It’s not every day that a guest of this calibre returns to the city after more than three decades.

Return to Sitges and a surprise at the Zombie Walk

It’s been 34 years since Jackson last visited the festival. This time, he was there to present the newly restored 4K version of his film “Braindead,” a gore classic that still excites fans.

But before the ceremony, Jackson decided to mingle with the crowd in the most unexpected way: he appeared at the popular Zombie Walk, the parade that fills the streets of Sitges every year with the living dead and outrageous makeup. The attendees, both surprised and amused, got to see the director in action, showing that he still enjoys the spectacle as much as ever.

A reunion that feels like a tribute

Peter Jackson’s visit has been a gift not only for horror and fantasy fans, but also a reminder of the special relationship between the festival and the great names of fantasy cinema. The ovation in the auditorium and Jackson’s own emotion make it clear that, in Sitges, classic monsters and their creators always find a home.