Tilda Swinton to head Berlin festival jury

Many of her films have screened at the fest

By Scott Roxborough

Nov 12, 2008, 11:25 AM ET

COLOGNE, Germany -- Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton will be the jury president of the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival.

The Scottish-born Swinton, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in "Michael Clayton," has been a Berlinale regular. Her acting debut, in Derek Jarman's "Caravaggio," won Berlin's Silver Bear in 1986.

Some 14 of her films have screened in various sections in Berlin, most recently Eric Zonca's "Julia," which was a competition entry this year.

"I'm pleased that the wonderful Tilda Swinton will be our jury president in 2009," Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick said. "Her commanding screen presence has made an indelible impression in contemporary, innovative filmmaking."

In addition to her onscreen work, Swinton this year founded and co-curated a film festival in her hometown of Nairn, Scotland, dedicated to the rediscovery of classics of world cinema.

As jury president, Swinton will be responsible for helping select the best film Golden Bear and Silver Bear winners of the 2009 Berlinale. The 59th Berlin International Film Festival is set to run Feb. 5-15.

Tilda Swinton to head Berlin festival jury

Many of her films have screened at the fest

By Scott Roxborough

Nov 12, 2008, 11:25 AM ET