Well, maybe the 77th Venice International Film Festival will include more than one or two woman-directed features in competition. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cate Blanchett has been named president of the international jury of the competition for the festival’s 2020 edition. The two-time Oscar winner and her fellow jury members will present the fest’s top prize, the Golden Lion, and other awards.
“Every year I look expectantly to the selection at Venice and every year it is surprising and distinct. Venice is one of the most atmospheric film festivals in the world – a celebration of the provocative and inspirational medium that is cinema in all its forms,” Blanchett said. “It is a privilege and a pleasure to be this year’s jury president.”
Unfortunately, this acceptance statement neglects to mention Venice’s gender bias, its organizers’ apathy toward inclusion and equality, and the fest’s habit of spotlighting predators like Roman Polanski while largely ignoring women directors. Blanchett, who marched the Palais de Festival at Cannes two years ago in protest of its exclusion of women, did not say how she, as jury president, would address Venice’s massive woman problem.
Blanchett headed Cannes’ jury in 2018 — just two years ago. She could have used this opportunity to help boost other women, namely women of color, by declining the role of Venice jury prez and recommending other deserving women to take her place. Blanchett could have used her significant power and privilege to call Venice out and give another woman a seat at the table.
We’re not blaming Blanchett for being appointed jury president or for accepting it — it just would have been nice if she’d decided to rock the boat instead of showering the very problematic Venice Film Fest with compliments. That being said, she could very well work to change the system from within. We’re hopeful that she’ll get more vocal about the fest’s shortcomings in the coming months.
A seven-time nominee, Blanchett won Academy Awards for her work in “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine.” She portrays anti-ERA activist Phyllis Schlafly in FX miniseries “Mrs. America,” premiering April 15. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” “Carol,” and “Ocean’s Eight” are among her other credits.
The 2020 Venice Film Festival will be held September 2-12.
