A special 45th anniversary screening of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will kick off the 16th TCM Classic Film Festial, in Hollywood, on Thursday, April 24, Turner Classic Movies announced on Wednesday, and the visionary architect of the Star Wars cinematic universe, George Lucas, will be in attendance.

The Empire Strikes Back is like The Godfather Part II. Yes, technically, theyre 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, said Ben Mankiewicz, TCMs primetime anchor and the official host of the TCM Classic Film Festival. 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 came Empire, which might even be better. Its a stunning accomplishment and surely stands one of the great achievements in the history of film. At this years TCM Classic Film Festival, which will run through Sunday, April 27, George Stevens Jr., the filmmaker and founder of the American Film Institute, will be the recipient of the Robert Osborne Award, which recognizes an individual who has helped keep the cultural heritage of classic film alive for future generations. Stevens will also present the Hollywood premiere of the 4K restoration of George Stevens: A Filmmakers Journey, the acclaimed film he wrote and directed about his Oscar-winning father.

The fest also will pay tribute to director and producer Michael Schultz, whose work has left a lasting impact on film.

And the fest announced that this years fest which is being programmed around the theme Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film will include screenings of:

The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) with Michelle Pfeiffer

The Ritz (1976) with Rita Moreno

Babe (1995) with James Cromwell

The Lady Eve (1941) with Bill Hader

Cinderella (1950) with Mario Cantone and Leonard Maltin

Apocalypse Now (1978) in 70mm

Daisy Kenyon (1947) nitrate print

Spirited Away (2001)

Mothra (1961)

Earth vs. The Flying Saucers (1956)

Pat and Mike (1952)

Carefree (1938)

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)