BLANCHETT TO HEAD 2018 CANNES' JURY
Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, a double Oscar-winner [ for films — The Aviator (2005) and Blue Jasmine (2014)] will preside over the Cannes Film Festival’s jury this year.
Blanchett follows Pedro Almodovar, who headed the jury for the 70th edition of the festival.
“I’m humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year’s jury,” Blanchette said in a statement.
“This festival plays a pivotal role in bringing the world together to celebrate story, which strange and vital endeavour that all peoples share, understand and crave,” she added.
Pierre Lescure, Festival de Cannes President and Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate, said Blanchett was a “rare and unique artist” whose talent has enriched both screen and stage.
The 48-year-old, is looking forward to attend the festival solely to watch films. “I’ve 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 that this great festival harbours,” she said.
The Australian actor is a leading campaigner against harassment in Hollywood. She is the 12th woman to take up this role and the third one in the last 10 years — the others being director Jane Campion in 2014 and actor Isabelle Huppert in 2009.