Actor Matt Dillon has joined the members of the Venezia 77 Competition Jury at the 77th Venice International Film Festival (September 2 – 12, 2020) replacing Romanian director Cristi Puiu who will no longer be a member of the Jury.
The Venice Film Festival thanked Cristi Puiu for having accepted the appointment when it was offered, and for the sensibility he demonstrated in attempting to honor his commitment, even when unexpected difficulties arose.
Matt Dillon’s successful film career has spanned over three decades and has showcased his wide range of dramatic and comedic talents. Dillon displayed his versatility with an arresting performance co-starring as a racist cop in the critically acclaimed Paul Haggis film Crash. This role earned him nominations for an Academy award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award, BAFTA Award and won him an Independent Spirit Award. In addition, the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble. From his breakthrough performance in The Outsiders to his hilarious turn as an obsessed private investigator in There’s Something About Mary, he has proven himself to be one of the most diverse actors of his generation. Aside from being an accomplished actor, Dillon wrote, and made his feature film directorial debut with City of Ghosts, in which he also starred with Gérard Depardieu, Stellan Skarsgård, and James Caan.
Most recently, Dillon has directed a documentary that he is currently in post-production on about Cuban soul singer El Gran Fellove.
Venezia 77 International Jury:
Cate Blanchett – President (Australia), actress
Matt Dillon (USA), actor
Veronika Franz (Austria), director and screenwriter
Joanna Hogg (Great Britain), director and screenwriter
Nicola Lagioia (Italy), writer
Christian Petzold (Germany), director and screenwriter
Ludivine Sagnier (France), actress