Martin Scorsese will receive the Motion Picture Assn. of America's Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award when the industry's chief lobbying arm holds a daylong symposium in Washington, D.C., on April 21.
MPAA chairman Dan Glickman said in a statement that Scorsese "has exemplified an extraordinary sense of community both on and off screen" and cited his work in film preservation and protection.
The award will culminate the Business of Show Business event, with an eye toward highlighting the industry's contribution to the economy to lawmakers and policymakers.
Scorsese is the second recipient of the honor, given to an "individual working in the motion picture industry whose contributions and commitment to service exemplify compassion, humanitarianism and dedication to community embodied in the award's namesake." The first honoree was Clint Eastwood in 2007.
The event will be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.
(Agencies April 7, 2009)
