Who is Greta Gerwig, president of the Cannes Film Festival jury?
Greta Gerwig, a prominent figure in Hollywood known for her contributions both in front of and behind the camera, has been appointed as the president of the jury for this year's Cannes Film Festival. Born in Sacramento, California, and having attended a Catholic school for girls, Gerwig initially dreamed of acting. Her career commenced behind the scenes within the Mumblecore movement, advocating for independent cinema before transitioning to more prominent roles in front of the camera. In 2010, Gerwig's career saw her playing roles alongside notable actors such as Ben Stiller in "Greenberg," a movie directed by Noah Baumbach, who would later become her partner. In "Damsels in Distress" directed by Whit Stillman, she portrayed an idealistic character striving to change campus life. Her significant influence as an actor is evident in roles such as in Woody Allen's romantic comedy and her prominent performance in "Frances Ha," directed by Baumbach. Gerwig's directorial prowess gained substantial recognition in 2017 when she received her first Oscar nomination for "Lady Bird," followed by the adaptation of the classic "Little Women," featuring renowned actors including Meryl Streep and Louis Garrel. Her film "Barbie," with a notable budget of $145 million, went on to set box office records with earnings of $1.4 billion. This commercial success has led to Gerwig being approached by Netflix to adapt "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis. At the age of 40, Gerwig has established herself as a leading figure in Hollywood, adept at balancing her bohemian persona with the demands of blockbuster filmmaking. As jury president at Cannes, her diverse experiences and perspectives will undoubtedly influence the selection process for the prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize. The international film community eagerly anticipates the impact of her leadership on May 25th, when the winner is announced.