Cannes juror Sean Penn irked by "insulting" remark

By Stuart Kemp

CANNES (Hollywood Reporter) - Make no mistake about it, this is Sean Penn's jury.

Hours before the Cannes Film Festival kicked off its 61st edition, the actor/filmmaker said Wednesday that all he asked of his fellow jurors was an empty bladder and an open mind as each of the 22 contestants for the coveted Palme d'Or prize lights up the screen.

Penn, who heads a panel that includes Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, American actress Natalie Portman, and Iranian author-director Marjane Satrapi, dominated the proceedings during a news conference that ended in a puff of smoke.

He said he found it "insulting" to himself and the other jury members that there is any suggestion of favoritism or bias toward movies in the lineup made by people who they might have worked with previously.

"We've all been involved in films we've cared about. I don't think there is bias involved," he said. "I don't see any of us judging the films we see as anything but responding to the enthusiasm of the movies."

But Penn couldn't resist remaining defiant when referencing his relationship with Clint Eastwood and his Oscar winning role in "Mystic River." Eastwood is bringing "Changeling" to a Competition slot this year.

Said Penn: "If (Eastwood's) done a film worth rewarding, we're going to f---ing well reward it."

It was left to German actress Alexandra Maria Lara to be the wide-eyed, delighted jury member, saying she felt "shaky" being in such esteemed company.