Following in the tradition of Cannes troublemaker Michael Moore, this year's jury president Sean Penn today spoke of the "inane stupidity" of US President George Bush's politics.

Discussing the incumbent's record at today's jury panel press conference, Penn said that "when somebody operates without a brain and without a heart they kill hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.

Penn said he was not supporting a particular US Presidential candidate, but was "encouraged and excited" by the support Obama had received.

He said: "I hope that he will understand the dangerous disillusionment that will happen if he does not become a greater man than he's ever been."

He said failure to do so may be a "death knell" adding: "This is the most important election in my lifetime and maybe ever."

Fellow jury member Natalie Portman said she was not endorsing anyone.

She said it was a very exciting year for American politics, "that for the first time in a while we have to chose between who we like better instead of who we hate less".

Portman said she was "extremely honoured" to be part of the jury, adding: "Cannes represents the height of cinema."

The festival runs until May 25.

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