Hollywood actor SEAN PENN is to head the jury at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, it has been announced.

The 47-year-old star - who won an Oscar in 2004 for his role in Mystic River - confirms he's "very much" looking forward to participating in this year's event.

He adds, "In the last few years there has been a rejuvenation of cinema building worldwide. The Cannes Film Festival has long been the epicentre in the discovery of new waves of film-makers." The 61st festival begins on 14 May (08), with the jury awarding the coveted Palme d'Or prize for best film on 25 May (08).