PARIS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Australia-born actress Cate Blanchett will be president of the jury of this year's Cannes Film Festival, which will take place in May, organizers announced on Thursday.

"We are delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage," said the festival's president Pierre Lescure and general delegate Thierry Fremaux in a press release.

"I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury," the press release quoted Blanchett as saying.

"This festival plays a pivotal role in bringing the world together to celebrate story; that strange and vital endeavour that all peoples share, understand and crave," she added.

Blanchett follows Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who presided the jury last year.

Born in Melbourne in 1969, Blanchett became internationally acclaimed in 1998 for her role as Elizabeth I of England in the film Elizabeth, for which she earned her first Academy Award for Best Actress nomination.

Throughout her career, she has won numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

Blanchett is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The 71st Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to open on May 8 and close on 19.