Sean Penn says Cannes jury needs anti-Oscar spirit

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

CANNES, France (AFP) — As the countdown began Saturday to the Cannes film festival's Palme d'Or prize ceremony, jury president Sean Penn said his panel should "do just the opposite" of the Oscars and crown a groundbreaking, unconventional film.

"The best way to be honest is to try to emancipate ourselves from the effects of fashion, to try to find what will stay with us forever," he said in an interview with French daily Le Monde.

"We've got to do the opposite of the Academy that gives out the Oscars, where manipulation and very good marketing are rewarded," said the 47-year-old US actor leading the nine-strong jury who will decide the winning entry on Sunday.

Penn, who won an Oscar for best actor in 2004 for his performance in Clint Eastwood's drama "Mystic...