Lucas’ praise of Best was a theme at this year’s convention, likely in part due to a recent outpouring of fan support since Best admitted he was suicidal after the negative reaction to Jar Jar. During the Phantom Menace panel, Best received enthusiastic cheers, much like he did on the main stage at the convention a few days earlier. You can watch that video below.

To hear Lucas say Phantom Menace is one of his favorite films is a little surprising, but you have to also remember the film was pure George. There was no one there to tell him “no” at any stage. Plus, it pushed technology so far ahead compared to other films of the era. More than almost anything else, that was the takeaway from the panel—sure, some fans like the movie, but the fact that Phantom Menace ushered in a new era of Star Wars, and filmmaking technology as a whole, is really its biggest legacy.

For more from this year’s Star Wars Celebration, read below.

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