Blanchett to head Cannes film fest jury
Australian actress Cate Blanchett, a campaigner against sexual harassment, will head this year’s Cannes film festival jury, organizers said Thursday.
A two-time Academy Award winner, Blanchett follows Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who headed the 70th edition of the festival last year. This year’s star-studded event on the French Riviera will take place May 8-19.
The appointment of Blanchett, 48, comes months after she expressed her support for the dozens of women who came forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood mogul.
More recently, she joined the Time’s Up initiative alongside other high-profile actresses, including Reese Witherspoon and Emma Stone. The campaign aims to clamp down on sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace.
Cannes organizers did not mention the Weinstein scandal or Blanchett’s commitment to the fight against sexual harassment.
“I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the gala-sphere and in competition,” Blanchett said.
“But never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbors. I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year’s jury.”