Pierre Lescure

Films by David Cronenberg, Park Chan-wook and Kelly Reichardt will vie for the coveted Palme d'Or at a Cannes Film Festival set to unspool against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

The number one festival in world cinema, the Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 8 to May 19, unveiled the official selection for its 71st edition on April 12 in Paris at a press conference attended by Cannes Festival president Pierre Lescure and director Thierry Fremaux. 

Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is to chair the jury that will pick the award winners at this year's Cannes Film Festival, reported BBC. 

She is "a rare and unique artist with talent and conviction", the Cannes Film Festival organisers said.