Jane Campion to be Cannes Film Festival Jury President

Jane Campion has been chosen to lead the Cannes Film Festival Jury.

"Since I first went to Cannes with my short films in 1986 I have had the opportunity to see the festival from many sides and my admiration for this Queen of film festivals has only grown larger. At the Cannes Film Festival they manage to combine and celebrate the glamour of the industry, the stars, the parties, the beaches, the business, while rigorously maintaining the festival's seriousness about the Art and excellence of new world cinema," the New Zealand director said in a statement.

She added, "I am truly honored to join with the Cannes Film Festival as President of the in Competition features for 2014. In fact I can't wait."

Meanwhile, Cannes director Thierry Fremaux said, "We are immensely proud that Jane Campion has accepted our invitation. She is one of those directors who perfectly embody the idea that you can make films as an artist and yet still appeal to a worldwide public."

Campion is best known for directing "Bright Star," which played in competition at the festival and "The Piano," which won the Palm D'Or at Cannes. She has also directed "Sweetie," "In the Cut" and "The Portrait of a Lady."

Recent Jury presidents have included Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, Nanni Moretti, and Tim Burton.

Last year, "Blue is the Warmest Color" took home the top prize and became one of the most acclaimed and talked about films of the year.

The 67th Cannes Film Festival will take place May 14-25 in France.