JODIE FOSTER is set for a new role - as president of the jury at this year's CANNES FILM FESTIVAL.

The American actress and director is delighted by the tribute -even if she got the part because of her lovely eyes. The festival's organiser, GILLES JACOB, says, "Jodie promised me years ago, that one day she will be the president. Whenever we talk American stars, Jodie Foster's name comes up. Jodie is charming and seductive, and is one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Jodie is also a very good film director, can speak French fluently,and most of all, has got beautiful blue eyes."

The delighted star gushes, "I dreamed of being the Cannes jury president since I'm a child. I remember when I went to Cannes for the first time, it was for TAXI DRIVER, and the film received the GOLD PALM. I'll never forget the experience - it was then my career really began." She adds that her stay in France will be "a great opportunity for me to celebrate my love for the language, the culture and the French cinema."

The awards ceremony will take place in May (01).(VH/RTL/KW)

Source: WENN