Mel Brooks to receive Life Achievement Award

Martin Scorsese to make presentation on behalf of American Film Institute

by Amber Wilkinson

Mel Brooks is to receive an American Film Institute Life Achievement Award on June 6.

He will receive the award from Michael Scorsese at a black tie dinner at the Dolby Theatre in recognition of his work as a director producer, writer, actor and composer on films including The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

It is the 41st time the Life Achievement Award has been bestowed since its creation in 1973 - when it was presented to director John Ford. Other past recipients include, Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford and Mike Nichols.

"For over 50 years, Mel Brooks has given the world its greatest gift - laughter," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. "At the American Film Institute, we also want to shine a proper light on his contributions to the art form as writer, producer, director and actor - and who better to bestow this honour than one of the masters of American film, Martin Scorsese."

Proceeds from the AFI Life Achievement Award gala event directly support the Institute's national education programmes and the preservation of American film history.

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