Sean Penn to Lead Cannes Festival Jury

by Jarrett Martineau | January 3, 2008 at 08:40 am

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With Penn's film Into the Wild gaining nearly unanimous acclaim, this seems like a very timely and appropriate choice.

American actor and director Sean Penn will head the awards jury at the Cannes Film Festival this year, organizers announced Thursday.

The festival's 61st edition is scheduled for May 14-25.

Penn said in a statement "that a new generation of filmmaking may have begun," citing "increasingly thoughtful, provocative, moving, and imaginative films by talented filmmakers" in what appeared to be "a rejuvenation of cinema building worldwide."

"The Cannes Film Festival has long been the epicenter in the discovery of those new waves of filmmakers from all over the world. I very much look forward to participating in this year's festival as president of the jury," Penn said.