Meryl Streep's award tears

Apr 12, 2010, 16:30 GMT

Meryl Streep "burst into tears" when she learned she had been elected into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The veteran actress - who has previously won two Academy Awards and seven Golden Globes - was stunned when she was told that she had been elected to a special category for "Americans of great distinction in the arts whose work falls outside the traditional departments" of music composition, literature and art.

Directors Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Stephen Sondheim are among current members, along with choreographers Twyla Tharp and Paul Taylor.

Meryl - the first member to be chosen solely for acting - said: "I have to say that I was stunned, and when they sent me the roster of people in the academy I just burst into tears. I couldn't believe that I'd be even allowed in the kitchen."

Conductor James Levine had also been elected to the Academy in the same category as Meryl.

Poet and president of the organisation J.D. McClatchy said: "Both of this year's inductees are performing artists, and both are at the peak of their careers. James Levine's conducting and Meryl Street's acting are extraordinary examples of insight, depth and virtuosity."

Meryl and James will join other new members at a New York ceremony next month.

Members of the American Academy of Arts and Letters join the organisation for life, with new openings only available when someone dies.