De Niro named jury chair of Cannes fest

CANNES, France, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor, director and producer Robert De Niro has been named president of the jury of France's 64th Festival de Cannes, organizers said.

The film festival is to run May 11-22.

"The Cannes Film Festival is a rare opportunity for me as it is one of the oldest and one of the best in the world," De Niro said in a statement posted on the festival's Web site Thursday.

The Oscar-winning actor's film credits include "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "The Untouchables," "The Godfather, Part II," "Goodfellas" and "Little Fockers."

Cannes organizers said they plan to honor De Niro as well for his work as co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and has a sister festival in Doha, Qatar.

"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 added. "Having served as President of the Jury in the 1980s 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."