The Swedish actor adds:
I'm glad I didn't die before it was time.
This year's jury is led by South Korean director Park Chan-Wook (the man behind films like "Old Boy" and "Decision to Leave"). In addition to Skarsgård, the jury includes screenwriter Paul Laverty, actors Demi Moore, Ruth Negga and Isaach de Bankolé, and directors Chloé Zhao, Laura Wandel and Diego Céspedes.
Tougher to be judged
They will now spend almost two weeks watching and judging this year's competition feature films - and, judging by the responses at the press conference where the jury met with international press, it is Skarsgård who will be responsible for the humor.
When asked by TT how he feels about having been judged here in Cannes several times before and now switching sides to become a juror, Skarsgård answers:
It's tougher to be judged than to judge, so I'm glad I'm free of that pressure this year.
When asked how life has changed since his Oscar nomination, he replies:
I've had a stroke, so it's tough to walk up the stairs to the festival palace.
Demi Moore says her heart skipped a beat when she received the offer.
I was here with “The Substance” two years ago. Before that, I had only been here once, as someone's “plus one.” I am deeply honored and I look forward to our discussions within the jury.
Film and politics
Much of the press conference is about film and politics. Park Chan-Wook says:
They shouldn't be separated, there's no conflict there. But films that have political content should also be made well. Otherwise, it's just propaganda.
He looks forward to the job and comments:
When I sit and watch a film, I do it with the audience's eye. Then when we discuss it, I switch and become the expert.
One of the most important things about our job is to spread the word about the films we see. There is great value, especially for certain films, in spreading the message "please, watch this one".
Paul Laverty, known as Ken Loach's constant script partner, says:
To go into a dark room with others to watch a film and to be able to do this with an open heart, that's something beautiful. To see films that take risks, and it may not work, but this failure thing is underrated.
Chairman: Director Park Chan-Wook.
Other jury members: Actor Stellan Skarsgård, actor Demi Moore, director Chloé Zhao, actor Ruth Negga, director Laura Wandel, director Diego Céspedes, actor Isaach de Bankolé and screenwriter Paul Laverty.
