Roger Ebert will receive the Directors Guild of America’s Honorary Life Member Award.
The kudo will be presented Jan. 31 at the DGA awards at the Century Plaza. The DGA presents the award periodically for creative achievement, contribution to the guild or the profession of directing.
“From the blockbuster to the tiny independent film, Roger Ebert has devoted his career to sharing his love of film with generations of moviegoers,” said DGA president Michael Apted. “In doing so, he’s kept directors on their toes for more than 40 years.”
Ebert’s reviews are syndicated in more than 200 newspapers, and he’s authored 17 books. He’s been honored with the Pulitzer Prize, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been feted by the American Society of Cinematographers and has received honorary doctorates from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the U. of Colorado and the American Film Institute.
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The DGA also announced second VP/director William M. Brady will receive the Robert B. Aldrich award for service to the DGA and its membership.
DGA board member/unit production manager Kim Kurumada will receive the Frank Capra award, given to an assistant director or unit production manager, and DGA assistant secretary/treasurer/associate director Scott Berger will receive the Franklin J. Schaffner award for an associate director or stage manager.