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Ridley Scott to receive American Cinematheque honor

Charles Ventura, USA TODAY
Film director Sir Ridley Scott attends an event in New York earlier this year.

Some of Hollywood's biggest names will honor director Ridley Scott as the legendary filmmaker becomes the 30th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award on Friday.

The famed director, known for his work on Black Hawk DownGladiator and Thelma & Louise, was the unanimous choice for this year's award given by the Cinematheque Board of Directors selection committee. The organization has honored a filmmaker since 1986 and celebrates the recipient's significant contribution to filmmaking. 

“To state it simply, Ridley Scott is one of the greatest directors in the history of the motion picture," said Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman, in a statement earlier this year. "In a business where careers burn brightly and then flame out, the pure longevity of his permanent residence in the very top tier of directors is astonishing."

Actors from Scott's famed films are expected to pay tribute at the gala, including Sigourney Weaver (Alien) as well as Kristen Wiig and Matt Damon, who both starred in The Martian. Russell Crowe, who won an Academy Award for Scott's Gladiator, will host the event at the Beverly Hilton.

"From his first feature, The Duellists, to his most recent, The Martian, the films of Ridley Scott have combined keenly observed humanity with dazzling state-of-the-art effects and design in a style that appeal in equal parts to the eye and to the mind," Nicita said. "Adding to his luster, his production company Scott Free, formed with his brother Tony, has produced a long string of successful movie and television projects. We are thrilled to honor a true modern master.”  

Sue Kroll, president of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, will also be honored at the event and receive the American Cinematheque's Sid Grauman Award for her contributions.