In a first, Venice film festival settles on score composer to head its jury: France’s Desplat

June 23 2014 12:10 AM

CP28869938 — FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 file photo, composer Alexandre Desplat arrives before the 83rd Academy Awards, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. For the first time, a composer will lead the international jury at the Venice Film Festival. Organizers said Monday, June 23, 2014 that the jury president this year will be Frenchman Alexandre Desplat, a six-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner. His many credits include the scores for "Godzilla," "The King\'s Speech," \'\'Argo" and "Philomena." Desplat began his career in French cinema and broke into Hollywood in 2003 after composing for "Girl with a Pearl Earring." (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Original Publication Date: June 23, 2014 12:10AM

Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 10:51PM

ROME – For the first time, a composer will lead the international jury at the Venice Film Festival.

Organizers said Monday that the jury president this year will be Frenchman Alexandre Desplat, a six-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner. His many credits include the scores for “Godzilla,” “The King’s Speech,” ”Argo” and “Philomena.”

Desplat began his career in French cinema and broke into Hollywood in 2003 after composing for “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

The 71st edition of the festival, which often showcases unconventional, artistic films, runs Aug. 27 to Sept. 6. The nine-person jury awards the Golden Lion for best film and seven other prizes.

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