Guillermo Del Toro to Head Venice Film Festival Jury

Rome – Guillermo Del Toro, who won last year’s Golden Lion for “The Shape of Water,” will preside over the jury of the 75th Venice Film Festival.“To serve as president in Venice is an immense honor and responsibility that I accept with respect and gratitude,” said the Mexican director, considered a front-runner at the upcoming Academy Awards in March.

“Venice is a window to world cinema and the opportunity to celebrate its power and cultural relevance.”“The Shape of Water,” Del Toro’s ode to the horror films of his youth, has picked up a leading 13 Oscar nominations.

It had its world premiere on the Lido last year and was awarded Venice’s top prize by a jury headed by Annette Bening.

Last month, Del Toro won a Golden Globe for best director.Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera praised Del Toro as someone who “personifies generosity, a love for movies past or future, and a passion

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