NEW YORK: Cinema legend has been selected as the icon for the 2012 Cannes film festival that kicks off in May, 50 years after Monroe's death, festival organizers said on Tuesday.

A poster for the festival, which marks its 65th anniversary this year, features a large black and white photo of Monroe, who died in Los Angeles in 1962 at age 36, seductively blowing out a candle in front of “Cannes 65” in giant letters.

This handout picture shows the official poster of the 65th International Cannes film, made of a photo of Marilyn Monroe taken from her movie "Some Like It Hot". - AFP Photo

The festival, which sets trends in cinema each year, will pay tribute to Monroe as an movie icon whose appearances in films such as “Some Like It Hot” sparked the imagination of millions of movie fans.

“The Festival is a temple of glamour and Marilyn is its perfect incarnation. Their coming together symbolises the ideal of simplicity and elegance,” organizers said.

Acclaimed Italian actor and director Nanni Moretti will head the Cannes jury this year. The festival runs from May 16-27.