George Miller, who revived his beloved Mad Max franchise in 2015 with Mad Max: Fury Road, has been picked to preside over the jury at the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival.
“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 in a statement,“to spend time in passionate discourse with fellow members of the jury. Such an honor. I'll be there with bells on!”
Miller’s latest film, Fury Road, premiered at Cannes last year, beginning its road to success that has taken it all the way to 10 Oscar nominations. The film is up for Best Picture and Best Director.
The Australian filmmaker gained fame with the first Mad Max film in 1979, which made Mel Gibson an international star. He made two more Mad Max films in 1981 and 1985, before venturing off to new projects. He won the Best Animated Feature Oscar for 2006’s Happy Feet and also helmed the 2011 sequel. Miller was also nominated for co-writing 1992’s Lorenzo’s Oil.
The Cannes Film Festival starts on May 11 and runs through May 22.