PARIS (AP) — Award-winning Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu will preside over the jury at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in May.
Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma" Gives Mexico 1st Foreign Language Film Oscar
Festival president Pierre Lescure, announcing the choice on Wednesday, praised Iñárritu — the first Mexican to be given the honor — as a "daring filmmaker ... full of surprises" and an "artist of his time." Iñárritu said in the statement that "this is a true delight and a responsibility that we will assume with passion and devotion."
Remembering Selena Quintanilla’s Last Concert before Her Death
The Cannes festival, he said, is the heart of world cinema. Iñárritu won best director Oscar for "The Revenant" in 2016 and "Birdman" in 2015, among numerous awards.
Cate Blanchett served as jury president last year when the Palme d'Or, the top prize, was awarded to "Shoplifters" by Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu.
WATCH: Oscars 2019 Red Carpet: Yalitza Aparicio, Jennifer Lopez and More