Academy Award winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett has been named president of the 71st Cannes Film Festival jury, taking over from last year's president, Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar.

Blanchett will be the 12th woman to ever lead the jury of the prestigious festival, taking place in May, and commented 'I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the gala-sphere and in competition, but never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbours. I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury'.