Damon to receive the Cinematheque Award

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and screenwriter Matt Damon is to receive the 24th American Cinematheque Award at an upcoming benefit gala, organizers said Monday.

"Hollywood Salutes Matt Damon: An American Cinematheque Tribute" is to take place March 27, 2010, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and will air at a later date on ABC.

"The American Cinematheque is extremely pleased to honor Matt Damon at our celebration next year," Rick Nicita, chairman of the American Cinematheque, said in a statement. "Matt is the epitome of an American Cinematheque award honoree in that he is currently making an extraordinary contribution to the art of the motion picture, yet, his career best may be yet to come."

Damon and writing partner Ben Affleck won a screenwriting Oscar for "Good Will Hunting." Damon has starred in the "Bourne" and "Ocean's" movie franchises and currently appears on U.S. screens in "the Informant."

"His choice of projects ranges from daring independents to commercial megahits, which have been received with both public and critical acclaim," Nicita said.