Sep 16, 2008, 11:45 GMT
Tom Hanks will be honoured by The Film Society of Lincoln Center at its 36th Gala Tribute.
Tom Hanks - Arrivals - Universal Studios Hollywood IMAX Theatre - Hollywood, CA, USA © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos
The 'Forrest Gump' actor will be celebrated at the annual event which will be held in April next year.
Kent Jones, associate director of programming for the society, praised the Oscar winner for his portrayal of the "good man".
Jones said: "There are so few actors who have been able to make the struggle and drama of being a good man compelling.
"With his talent, his presence, his versatility, his sense of humour, he has set a very high standard for his fellow actors."
The 52-year-old star won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 'Philadelphia' in 1993 and 'Forrest Gump' in 1994. He is also the third most successful actor in terms of box office totals, which exceed $3.3 billion.
Actors who have previously been honoured by the society include Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino and Michael Caine.
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