‘Matrix’ actor to host Cannes film festival

PARIS - Agence France-Presse

Lambert Wilson will host the opening and closing ceremonies at Cannes film festival that will open on May 14.

French actor Lambert Wilson, best known for his role as The Merovingian in two Matrix films, is to host the opening and closing ceremonies at this year’s Cannes film festival.

Wilson, 55, will introduce president of the jury Jane Campion on stage at the opening ceremony on May 14, as well as steer the closing awards ceremony on May 24, festival organizers said.

Wilson played The Merovingian in “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions”, the second and third instalments in the science fiction action trilogy, both released in 2003.

The actor made his first appearance at Cannes in 1985 in an Andre Techine film, “Rendez-Vous,” in which he appeared alongside a young Juliette Binoche.

The line-up of films competing for the top Palme d’Or prize will be announced on April 17.