Ben Stiller to Receive American Cinematheque Award

Actor Ben Stiller will be the recipient of this year's American Cinematheque award for career achievement, it was announced today.

Stiller made his Broadway and professional debut as Ronnie Shaughnessy in the 1986 Tony-winning production of The House of Blue Leaves. In 2010, he returned to Broadway in the same play in the role of Artie Shaughnessy.

The actor has starred in the blockbuster comedies "Meet the Parents", "The Night of the Museum," and "Tropic Thunder." He has also been featured in indie films such as the recent '"Greenberg" from Noah Baumbach. He will soon star opposite Kristen Wiig and Sean Penn in next year's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

Stiller joins a list of prior recipients of the honor including Sean Connery, Steven Spielberg, Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and last year's recipient, Robert Downey Jr.

"Ben Stiller is a comedy icon whose wide-ranging talents include acting, directing, writing and producing," Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman, said in a statement. "He entertains us in front of the camera with unforgettable performances in groundbreaking comedies such as 'There's Something About Mary" and franchises like 'Meet the Parents' and 'A Night at the Museum.'"

The presentation will take place Thursday, November 15 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, and will include tributes from Stiller's colleagues and friends. Funds raised as part of the benefit will support the American Cinematheque's film programming at non-profit theaters like the Aero and the Egyptian.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.