Stephen Frears named president of Cannes festival jury

Frears is the name behind many critically acclaimed movies including The Snapper, High Fidelity and Dirty Pretty Things.

British director Stephen Frears has been named president of the jury of the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, announced festival president Gilles Jacobs.

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"I am particularly delighted that Stephen Frears accepted my proposal (to head the jury) this year," Jacobs said in a press statement late Thursday. "We thus pay tribute to this great, inspired filmmaker, endowed with freedom of mind and the love of making films."

Frears, who came to prominence in 1985 with My Beautiful Laundrette, has directed a number of other critically acclaimed movies, including The Snapper, High Fidelity and Dirty Pretty Things.

His latest film, The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, was chosen best picture of 2006 by the Toronto Film Critics Association and is expected to do well at the Oscars.

"Of course, it's an honour but it's also a treat, to be able to watch terrific films from all over the world in such heady surroundings," Frears said of his role at the festival. "God Save Cannes! (as well as the Queen). "

The 2007 Cannes Film Festival is the 60th edition of the world's most prestigious cinema gala and takes place from May 16 to May 27.