The double-Oscar-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett has been appointed to preside over the jury that will hand out the prestigious Palme d’Or award to the best film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
The actress – whose honours include the BFI Fellowship – said she was humbled by the privilege and responsibility of the role. “I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the Gala-sphere and in Competition,” she enthused, “but never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbours.”
The festival organisers said “We are delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist, whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage,” stressing that she would be a “passionate woman and a big-hearted spectator.”
Blanchett – who won Oscars for Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator and Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine – has also been nominated for films by Todd Haynes, including I’m Not There and Carol, that latter being her most recent film to screen in competition at Cannes.
The rest of the jury, to help her select a successor to Ruben Östlund’s The Square will be announced ahead of the festival, in May.