The Berlinale, one of the “Big Three” film festivals along with Cannes and Venice, has in recent years invited some of the most vaunted names of the silver screen to head its jury, including Werner Herzog, Christoph Waltz and Mike Leigh.
Streep, who has won three Oscars and been nominated by the Academy 19 times, has never sat on a film festival jury in her long and distinguished career.
"It is a thrill to return to the festival under any circumstances, but it is with great relish and anticipation I look forward to jury duty,” said the star of Manhattan and The Devil Wears Prada.
“The responsibility is somewhat daunting, as I have never been President of anything before, and I hope I can come up to the precedent set by the distinguished juries of preceding years. [I'm] grateful for the honor", Streep added.
But this is not Streep's first appearance at the festival. In 1999 she was awarded the Berlinale Camera and in 2003, along with Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore she received a Silver Bear for her performance in The Hours.
In 2012 she collected an Honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime's oeuvre.
”Meryl Streep is one of the most creative and multifaceted film artists. To mark our enthusiasm for her extraordinary talent we awarded her the Honorary Golden Bear in 2012 for her lifetime achievement,” said Berlinale Director Dieter Kosslick.
“I am very happy that she is returning to Berlin and with her artistic experience will take on the chairmanship of the International Jury.”
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