As a nod to his work as the co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival (which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year), the organizers of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival have named Robert De Niro its head juror. The actor/director has presented eight films at Cannes Film Festival over the years, including two Palme d’Or winners: Taxi Driver (1976) and The Mission (1986). Interestingly, he is the fifth American in the past ten years to receive this honor, and has already served as jury president twice before.
“As co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and the Doha Tribeca Film Festival I have an increased appreciation for the jury, who serve, undertaking an important role in choosing films that are represented in the world of film at its highest level, and these types of festivals help connect the international film community and have a lasting cultural impact,” De Niro said in a statement. “Having served as President of the Jury in the eighties twice, I know this isn’t an easy task for me or my fellow jury members, but I’m very honored and happy to head the jury for this year’s Cannes Film Festival.”