CANNES, 4 January 2018 — Lady Monika Bacardi extends her warmest congratulations to acclaimed Australian actress Cate Blanchett on her appointment as President of the Jury for the 71st edition of the Festival de Cannes, taking place from 8 to 19 May 2018.
Blanchett brings extraordinary credentials to this prestigious role, having won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2014 for her remarkable performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine. A decade earlier, in 2004, she received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, becoming the first actress to win an Academy Award for playing another Oscar-winning actress.
Her distinguished career spans collaborations with cinema’s greatest auteurs, including performances in films presented at Cannes such as Todd Haynes’ Carol in 2015. Blanchett has also received recognition at the Venice Film Festival, winning Best Actress for I’m Not There.
Beyond her screen achievements, Blanchett demonstrates remarkable dedication to theatre worldwide. From 2008 to 2013, she served as co-Artistic Director and CEO of the Sydney Theatre Company alongside producing partner Andrew Upton. Her stage work has garnered acclaim across continents, including a memorable performance in Jean Genet’s The Maids at the Théâtre de l’Odéon in Paris.
In 2012, the French government honored Blanchett with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for her significant contribution to the arts. She has also been recognized with Australia’s Companion in the Order of Australia in 2017.
Blanchett follows Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, who presided over the 70th edition of the Festival. The 71st Cannes Film Festival marks a significant moment in the festival’s history, with Blanchett becoming only the 11th woman to serve as Jury President since the festival’s inception.
“I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year’s jury,” Blanchett stated. “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.”
Festival de Cannes President Pierre Lescure and General Delegate Thierry Frémaux expressed their enthusiasm: “We are delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage.”
Lady Monika Bacardi, renowned for her dedication to supporting excellence in cinema, looks forward to attending the festival’s opening ceremony on 8 May and celebrating the artistic achievements that will unfold throughout this prestigious edition of the Festival de Cannes.
