Mike Leigh to head Berlin jury

BERLIN -- British helmer Mike Leigh will be the jury prexy of the 62nd Berlin Film Festival, fest organizers said Friday. His nearly 40-year film career includes multiple awards and noms. Highlights include "Naked," which won best director in Cannes in 1993, "Secrets and Lies," which won the Palme d'Or in Cannes in 1996 and received five Oscar noms, and 2004's "Vera Drake," which won the Golden Lion in Venice and nabbed three Oscar noms. Leigh is no stranger to the Berlinale. His social comedy "Happy-Go-Lucky," starring Sally Hawkins, played in the main competish in 2008. The fest runs from Feb. 9-19. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com