The director, who is the creative genius behind films like Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing, and BlackKklansman said he was shocked, happy, surprised, and proud.
Lee has premiered seven films at the festival, with the most recent being BlacKkKlansman which made a big splash and receiving wide acclaim.
Lee said in response to his role: “biggest blessings… have happened out of nowhere”.
“I’m honoured to be the first person of the African diaspora (USA) to be named president of the Cannes jury and of a main film festival.
“To me, the Cannes film festival (besides being the most important film festival in the world – no disrespect to anybody) has had a great impact on my film career.
“You could easily say Cannes changed the trajectory of who I became in world cinema,” he added.
Cannes also released an official statement following Lee’s appointment. They said it “brought the questions and contentious issues of the times to contemporary cinema.
“Spike Lee’s perspective is more valuable than ever. Cannes is a natural homeland and a global sounding board for those who (re)awaken minds and question our stances and fixed ideas,” it added.
“Lee’s flamboyant personality is sure to shake things up. What kind of president of the jury will he be? Find out in Cannes!”
In addition, Lee will be awarded an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement.
The festival is scheduled to hold from 15 to 24 May 2020.
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