In this Nov. 2, 2015 file photo, director Sam Mendes poses for photographers as he walks the red carpet at the regional premiere of the latest James Bond film, "Spectre," at the National Auditorium in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
MILAN (AP) --
Organizers of the Venice Film Festival say Oscar-winning British director Sam Mendes will head the jury that will choose winners in this year's competition.
In announcing Mendes' appointment Wednesday, organizers said the director has "established himself as one of the most highly respected film directors of recent years."
The 50-year-old Mendes was quoted as saying that his "happiest film festival memory is launching 'Road to Perdition' at Venice in 2002."
Mendes' directorial debut, "American Beauty," won five Oscars, including best director and best picture. Mendes is also an accomplished theater director.
The Venice Film Festival, the world's oldest, is holding its 73rd edition this year. It will be held from Aug. 31-Sept. 10, when the jury will select the winner of the coveted Golden Lion for best film.
Television producer Mark Burnett, left, looks on as President Donald Trump arrives for the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 2, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with "The Apprentice," is being tapped by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his upcoming administration.
"With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role," Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name — though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
The selection of Burnett continues Trump's trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both — including his choice to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend," and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump's first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on "The Apprentice" and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a "star."
Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump's television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first... Read More
