By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Spike Lee, who was set to lead last year's jury for the Cannes Film Festival that was ultimately canceled by the pandemic, will preside over this year's jury instead.
The French Riviera festival on Tuesday announced that Lee will be president of the jury for the 74th Cannes. Usually held in May, this year's Cannes Film Festival has been delayed by the health crisis. It's set to take place July 6-17.
Lee is the first Black person to head the Cannes jury, which selects one of cinema's top prizes, the Palme d'Or.
Pierre Lescure, president of the festival, praised Lee for his loyalty and spirit.
"Throughout the months of uncertainty we've just been through, Spike Lee has never stopped encouraging us," said Lescure in a statement. "This support is finally coming to fruition and we could not have hoped for a more powerful personality to chart our troubled times."
Organizers said preparations "are in full swing" for this year's Cannes, more details of which will be announced in coming weeks. Selections will be announced in early June.
Several of Lee's films premiered at Cannes, including "Do the Right Thing" in 1989. In 2018, his "BlacKkKlansman" won one of the festival's top prizes, the Grand Prix.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More