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Cate Blanchett - when she was in Cannes in 2015 to launch Todd Haynes’s Carol
Photo: Richard Mowe
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The Cannes Film Festival organisers have announced that Cate Blanchett will be this year's jury president of the 71st edition.
The Australian actress follows Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, 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 Östlund. 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.” She added: “This festival plays a pivotal role in bringing the world together to celebrate story; that strange and vital endeavour that all peoples share, understand and crave. I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year’s jury.” Festival president Pierre Lescure and delegate-general Thierry Frémaux 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”. Blanchett who won the 2014 best actress Oscar for Blue Jasmine as well as the supporting actress Oscar for The Aviator, was involved in the recent Time Up initiative against sexual harassment and was one of the first to speak up about Harvey Weinstein. The Cannes Film Festival begins 8 May and continues until 19 May.
