Spike Lee Photo: AFP

Organizers of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday announced that US director Spike Lee will be president of the jury for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival.

"Spike Lee's perspective is more valuable than ever. Cannes is a natural homeland and a global sounding board for those who reawaken minds and question our stances and fixed ideas. Lee's flamboyant personality is sure to shake things up," said Pierre Lescure, the festival's president and Thierry Fremaux, general delegate, in a joint statement.

The 62-year-old filmmaker is also a screenwriter, actor and producer. 

"When I got the call that I was offered the opportunity to be President of Cannes Jury for 2020, I was shocked, happy, surprised and proud all at the same time," Lee said in a statement posted on the festival's website.

The rest of the jury and the films that will make up the official selection will be announced in mid-April, organizers said.

The 2020 edition of the glamorous festival will raise its curtain on May 12. The closing ceremony during which the list of awarded movies will be unveiled is scheduled for May 23.