Academy plans George Stevens tribute

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 5 (UPI) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is planning a centennial tribute to Oscar-winning director George Stevens, the organization said Wednesday.

The Sept. 30 program will celebrate both the life and career of Stevens, who died in 1975, and will feature clips from many of his classic films, including the 1951 drama "A Place in the Sun" and the 1956 film "Giant," both of which earned him Academy Awards for directing.

Family, friends and renowned colleagues from Stevens' varied career are expected to be on hand to share their memories of the great director, the group said.

Never before screened clips from interviews shot for the 1985 documentary "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey," which was directed by George Stevens Jr., will also be interspersed throughout the evening.

Hollywood legends such as Katharine Hepburn, Rock Hudson and Jimmy Stewart talked candidly in these interviews about their experiences working with Stevens.

The tribute will kick off an eight-week screening series at the Academy, featuring some of Stevens' most notable films.