It was announced that Academy Award winning actress Cate Blanchett has been named president of the Cannes Film Festival jury. Blanchett will be the 12th woman to lead the jury of the famed film festival. Blanchett was one of the first women to speak out against Harvey Weinstein after he was accused of sexual assault, and was among the women who recently launched the Time’s Up initiative against sexual harassment. The actress had this to say in a statement:
“I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year’s jury. 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.”
Blanchett won the 2014 best actress Oscar for Blue Jasmine as well as the supporting actress Oscar for The Aviator. She was most recently seen as Hela in Thor: Ragnarok. The 71st Cannes Film Festival takes place May 8th to May 19th.