This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Isabelle Huppert in a scene from, "Elle" directed by Paul Verhoeven, who was just named jury president at the Berlin International Film Festival. (Guy Ferrandis/Sony Pictures Classics via AP)
BERLIN (AP) --
Paul Verhoeven has been named to serve as president of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.
The Dutch director was nominated for an Oscar with his 1973 film "Turkish Delight" and a Golden Globe for 1977's "Soldier of Orange."
After moving to Hollywood, Verhoeven made blockbusters such as "RoboCop," ''Total Recall' and "Basic Instinct."
The 78-year-old returned to moviemaking this year after a lengthy break with "Elle," starring Isabelle Huppert.
The Berlinale – the first of the year's major European film festivals – runs from Feb. 9 to Feb. 18.
The festival didn't specify Friday who else will serve on the 2017 jury. This year's jury was led by Meryl Streep.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
