CANNES, France - Sean Penn will head the awards jury at the Cannes Film Festival this year, organizers announced Thursday.
The Oscar-winning actor and acclaimed director of "Into The Wild," who recently announced his separation from wife Robin Wright Penn, will be sitting on the distinguished jury during the festival's season in May.
In a statement, Penn said "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.
Penn has been nominated at various festivals in the U.S. for his work on "Into The Wild."
Cannes artistic director, Thierry Fremaux, noted that Penn was chosen as a judge because he "represents the independent American cinema, as well as a vision of America which we like."
Penn won an Academy Award for acting with his performance in Clint Eastwood's film, "Mystic River."
His directorial debut, "The Pledge," competed in the Cannes Film Festival.
The festival's 61st edition is scheduled for May 14-25.
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