2020 Venice Film Festival: Cate Blanchett Will Serve as President of Jury

Cate Blanchett. Photo by David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock (9669063el)

Cate Blanchett is officially the eighth woman in history to be named president of the Venice Film Festival jury. 

Multiple outlets confirm that Oscar-winning actress will preside over the jury at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival. 

The appointment was announced by the Board of Directors of the Biennale di Venezia on Friday. 

Blanchett said in a statement, “Every year I look expectantly to the selection at Venice and every year it is surprising and distinct. Venice is one of the most atmospheric film festivals in the world –- a celebration of the provocative and inspirational medium that is cinema in all its forms. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be this year’s jury president.”

Festival head Alberto Barbera added: “Cate Blanchett is not just an icon of contemporary cinema, courted by the greatest directors of the past twenty years and adored by moviegoers of every kind. Her commitment in the artistic and humanitarian fields and to the protection of the environment, as well as her defense of the emancipation of women in a film industry still coming to terms with male prejudice, have made her an inspiration for society as a whole. Her immense talent as an actress, combined with her unique intelligence and sincere passion for cinema, are the ideal qualities for a Jury President.”

The 2020 Venice Film Festival runs September 2-12.