British actress Charlotte Rampling, 60, will preside over the International Jury of the Berlinale 2006. Referring to Rampling as a "fascinating woman and brilliant artist," Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick expressed his pleasure in having on board an actress who "has come to stand for unconventional and memorable cinema."
During her 40+-year career, Rampling — who has lived in France most of her life — has appeared in almost 70 films, including Luchino Visconti's The Damned (1969); Liliana Cavani's The Night Porter (1974), playing opposite Dirk Bogarde; John Boorman's Zardoz, with Sean Connery; and Woody Allen's Stardust Memories (1980).
Also, Sidney Lumet's The Verdict, in which she's excellent playing opposite Paul Newman; Alan Parker's Angel Heart (1987); Gianni Amelio's The Keys to the House (2004);and François Ozon's Under the Sand (2000) and Swimming Pool (2003). In the latter Ozon effort, Rampling looks great whether fully dressed or fully naked.
This year, Charlotte Rampling has been nominated for the People's Choice Award as best European actress for her role in Dominik Moll's Lemming. The winner will be announced at the December 3 European Film Awards ceremony in Berlin.