Australian director George Miller will preside over the 69th Cannes film festival, organisers said on Tuesday.
Miller will award the prestigious Palme d’Or at the end of the May 11 to May 22 cinema extravaganza.
The director’s latest installment of the Mad Max franchise, “Fury Road’’, kicked off last year’s festival on the Croisette and it was screened out of competition.
“What an unmitigated delight! To be there in the middle of this storied festival at the unveiling of cinematic treasures from all over the planet,’’ Miller said.
“To spend time in passionate discourse with fellow members of the jury.
“Such an honour. I’ll be there with bells on!’’
Last year’s festival was presided over by American directors Joel and Ethan Coen.
Miller, 70, will be the first Australian to preside over the festival.
