'Lincoln' to close AFI festival

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis, will have its world premiere as the closing night film of AFI Fest 2012 in Hollywood.

Organizers said Thursday the gala screening will take place Nov. 8 at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The film about America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, co-stars Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, Jackie Earle Haley, John Hawkes, Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader and Jared Harris.

"Steven Spielberg is an American master, enriching the cultural legacy of our nation with each new film in his extraordinary career," Bob Gazzale, AFI President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. "We are honored he has chosen AFI Fest for the world premiere of 'Lincoln,' an historic cinematic event in itself as it brings the most dramatic American history to life for new generations."

"Steven Spielberg epitomizes American filmmaking," said Jacqueline Lyanga, the festival's director, "and who better to tell the story of one of the most significant figures in our country's history. In this important presidential election year, Spielberg's 'Lincoln' reminds us that the challenges of the past remain as relevant today."