Sam Mendes to head jury at Venice Film Festival

Organisers of the Venice Film Festival say Oscar-winning British director Sam Mendes will head the jury that will choose winners in this year’s competition.

In announcing Mendes’ appointment on Wednesday, organisers said the director has “established himself as one of the most highly respected film directors of recent years.”

The 50-year-old Mendes was quoted as saying that his “happiest film festival memory is launching Road to Perdition at Venice in 2002.”

Mendes’ directorial debut, American Beauty, won five Oscars, including best director and best picture. Mendes is also an accomplished theatre director.

The Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest, is holding its 73rd edition this year. It will be held from August 31 to September 10, when the jury will select the winner of the coveted Golden Lion for best film.