Sean Penn The Unorthodox Cannes Jury President: Outspoken, Swearing And Ignoring French Law

CANNES, France — Sean Penn may be president of the Cannes Film Festival jury _ but don't expect any buttoned-up presidential behavior from the Hollywood rebel. During a news conference on opening day Wednesday, the actor-director lit up two cigarettes in defiance of French laws against smoking in public buildings. He used the F-word. And he poked fun at his reputation. Asked by a reporter if he could confirm that he had hesitated before taking the jury presidency because it means being "wise and sober" for 12 days, the "Into the Wild" director quipped, "How many days have I got left?" Penn, a regular at Cannes, won the best actor award here for "She's So Lovely," and he showed his own movies "The Pledge" and "The Indian Runner" here. When Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River" played at Cannes, it generated early buzz for Penn's performance, which went on to win an Academy Award. Penn wasn't all jokes and antics at Cannes _ he also let his serious, thoughtful side shine through, ... [link]