Swinton to head Berlin film jury

Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton will head the international jury of the 2009 Berlin Film Festival, organisers have announced.

The 48-year-old will lead a panel of actors, film-makers and producers who will choose winners of the festival's coveted Golden and Silver Bear prizes.

The star won a best supporting actress Oscar earlier this year for her role as a ruthless lawyer in Michael Clayton.

The 59th annual Berlin Film Festival will run from 5 to 15 February.

"I'm pleased that the wonderful Tilda Swinton will be our jury president in 2009," said Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick in a statement.

"Her commanding screen presence has made an indelible impression on contemporary, innovative film-making."

Swinton made her screen debut in 1986 in Derek Jarman's Caravaggio, which won a Silver Bear prize at the festival.

Earlier this year, the actress founded, co-curated and produced a film festival in her hometown of Nairn, Scotland.

She can be currently seen in the Coen brothers' latest film, Burn After Reading, alongside George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

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