Jodie Takes On Cannes

The actress and director Jodie Foster has been announced as this year's head of jury at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival which runs from 9-20 May 2001. 'I remember going to the festival with Taxi Driver when it won the Palme d'Or," Foster told the press. 'All of the excitement of the French press, the drama of the competition, the craziness on the boardwalk. I'll never forget the experience there that really launched my film-making career. Foster, who won the Palme d'Or at Cannes back in 1976 for her role in Taxi Driver added; 'This will be an opportunity to celebrate my love for the French language, culture and cinema.' Festival Chief Gilles Jacob explained why the organisers chose Foster. 'Jodie promised me she would do it a number of years ago. Every time we spoke of American stars at the festival, the name Jodie Foster came up. Jodie has the charm and seductive quality of one of the best actresses of her generation.'