Cate Blanchett has been named the jury president of the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
The Australian actress follows Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who presided over the jury for the festival’s 70th edition, which awarded the prestigious Palme d’or to The Square, by Swedish director Ruben Ostlund.
Responding to the announcement, Blanchett said: “I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the Gala-sphere and in Competition but never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbours.”
Festival president Pierre Lescure and delegate-general Thierry Fremaux said they were “delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage. Our conversations from this autumn tell us she will be a committed president, a passionate woman and a big-hearted spectator.”
The Cannes Film Festival begins May 8.
