It has been announced that the American Film Institute is to honour Al Pacino with its Life Achievement Award.
Announcing Pacino's selection, Howard Stringer, Chair of the AFI, said: "Al Pacino is an icon of American film. He has created some of the great characters in the movies - from Michael Corleone to Tony Montana to Roy Cohn. His career inspires audiences and artists alike, with each new performance a master class for a generation of actors to follow."
Pacino will receive the award at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on 7 June, 2007; he received the 20th American Cinematheque Award last year.
The AFI Life Achievement Award was established in 1973 to honour people "whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time."
In 1993 "individuals with active careers and work of significance yet to be accomplished" was also added to the selection criteria.
