Paul Verhoeven to lead Berlin International Film Festival jury

Director Paul Verhoeven has been appointed jury president of the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival.
The Basic Instinct and RoboCop filmmaker will help judge the movies selected to screen at the annual German event and decide the recipients of awards such as the Golden Bear for best film, Silver Bear for best actor, actress and director and the Jury Grand Prix. The rest of the judging panel has not yet been announced.
“With Paul Verhoeven as jury president, we have a filmmaker who has worked in a variety of genres in Europe and Hollywood,” said Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick. “His creative, multifaceted boldness and his willingness to experiment are reflected in the spectrum of his works.”
The director is currently gaining praise for Elle, his first directorial effort since 2006 and his first film in French. Its lead star Isabelle Huppert has been receiving awards buzz for her performance as the victim of a home invasion and rape.
Verhoeven follows in the footsteps of recent Berlin jury presidents such as Meryl Streep and directors Darren Aronofsky and Mike Leigh.
The festival runs from 9 – 18 February next year (17).