US actor Matt Dillon has joined the
jury for the 77th Venice Film Festival, organisers said Tuesday.
Dillon replaces Romanian director Cristi Puiu, who is unable to
attend the September 2-12 event.
The Venice Film Festival thanked Puiu for having accepted the
appointment when it was offered, and for the sensibility he
demonstrated in attempting to honour his commitment, even when
unexpected difficulties arose.
Matt Dillon's successful film career has spanned over three
decades and has showcased his wide range of dramatic and comedic
talents. Dillon displayed his versatility with an arresting
performance co-starring as a racist cop in the critically
acclaimed Paul Haggis film Crash.
This role earned him nominations for an Academy award, Golden
Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award,
BAFTA Award and won him an Independent Spirit Award. In
addition, the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and a
Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble.
From his breakthrough performance in The Outsiders to his
hilarious turn as an obsessed private investigator in There's
Something About Mary, he has proven himself to be one of the
most diverse actors of his generation.
Aside from being an accomplished actor, Dillon wrote, and made
his feature film directorial debut with City of Ghosts, in which
he also starred with Gérard Depardieu, Stellan Skarsgård, and
James Caan.
Most recently, Dillon has directed a documentary that he is
currently in post-production on about Cuban soul singer El Gran
Fellove.
The following is the definitive composition of the Venezia 77
International Jury:
Cate Blanchett - President (Australia), actress
Matt Dillon (USA), actor
Veronika Franz (Austria), director and screenwriter
Joanna Hogg (Great Britain), director and screenwriter
Nicola Lagioia (Italy), writer
Christian Petzold (Germany), director and screenwriter
Ludivine Sagnier (France), actress
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