Sam Mendes is to head the jury at the Venice Film Festival.

The British movie-maker was picked for the role by the organisers of the festival.

They said the 50-year-old has “established himself as one of the most highly respected film directors of recent years”.

Sam, whose films include American Beauty and Spectre, took his movie Road To Perdition to Venice in 2002 and has said that it was his “happiest film festival memory”.

The Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest, is holding its 73rd edition this year.

It will be held from August 31 to September 10, when the jury will select the winner of the coveted Golden Lion for best film.