Robert Redford to receive Gish Prize

NEW YORK, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. actor, filmmaker and activist Robert Redford has been chosen to receive the 2008 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, it was announced Wednesday.

His selection was announced by The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize Trust and the Gish Prize committee.

Redford is scheduled to be honored at a special Gish Prize ceremony Nov. 12 at the Hudson Theatre in New York City.

The Gish Prize includes a silver medallion and a $325,000 grant from the trust established in memory of silent film stars Dorothy and Lillian Gish.

The committee said in a news release that Redford is "being recognized for his pivotal role in the arts not only as a creative force, but also as a tireless supporter of emerging talent, independent endeavors, and the environment through his multidisciplinary Sundance Institute."

"This award has special resonance for me," Redford said in a statement. "Twenty-seven years ago, when I received the Academy Award for 'Ordinary People,' it was Lillian Gish who presented me with the Oscar. It was an honor then, as it is now with the Gish Prize. I am grateful to be following in the footsteps of the legendary Gish sisters, two true pioneers of American film. Sundance in a way continues their work, reaffirming their passion for art and film and their importance to life."