Stallone to be honored at Venice film fest

VENICE, Italy, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Sylvester Stallone has won the 2009 Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award at the Venice International Film Festival, organizers say.

The award is presented at the end of the festival Sept. 12 to honor someone who left his mark on modern cinema, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Wednesday.

Stallone, best known for his work as the title characters in the "Rocky" and "Rambo" franchises said, "(To) receive an award at the Venice festival is a dream I always hoped would come true. Now that this has happened, I can say that it was well worth the wait."

Festival organizers said in a statement Stallone "traveled through the light and the darkness of the American Dream, and each of his films were remarkably anchored in its own present time."

The award ceremony will include a world premiere screening of scenes from "The Expendables," which showcases Stallone's writing, directing and acting efforts.

The 66th edition of the film festival opens Sept. 2.