Actress Patricia Clarkson to lead Carnival parade

[December 30, 2011]  NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Actress Patricia Clarkson will lead the Carnival parade of the Krewe of Muses in her hometown of New Orleans.

The star of the 2010 thriller "Shutter Island" and the 2003 drama "Pieces of April" will step into a whimsical limelight by riding on a red fiber-optic-lit float shaped like a high-heeled shoe.

The Krewe of Muses is an all-women's organization that parades through New Orleans on Feb. 16.

The krewe traditionally selects an honorary rider who exemplifies a muse from Greek mythology, such as dance, poetry or music. For 2012, the club said it chose Clarkson as its honorary "EveryMuse" because she embodies the spirit of all muses.

[Associated Press; By STACEY PLAISANCE]

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