[dropcap]H[/dropcap]OLLYWOOD star Al Pacino said he was “overwhelmed” after being made a fellow of the British Film Institute (BFI).
The 74-year-old star of The Godfather films received the honour at a ceremony in London from BFI chairman Greg Dyke.
“People I’ve adored have received this award,” said Pacino. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you.”
Industry legends including Orson Welles, Dame Judi Dench, Ken Loach and the late Lord Attenborough have received the fellowship in the past.
It is awarded by the BFI Board of Governors and is presented for outstanding achievement in film and television. Since 1983, a total of 78 fellowships have been awarded.
Actors Richard E Grant, Ian Holm, John Hurt and Steven Berkoff were among those attending the star-studded ceremony on Thursday, alongside directors Terry Gilliam and Terence Davies, playwright David Hare and Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
Pacino, who won the best actor Oscar in 1993 for his role in Scent of a Woman, is best known for his performances in the Godfather trilogy, Scarface and Dog Day Afternoon.
Presenting him with the fellowship, Mr Dyke called the actor “a true icon”.
“Al Pacino is one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen, and a visionary director of stage and screen,” he said.
“His extraordinary body of work has made him one of the most recognisable and best-loved stars of the big screen, whose films enthral and delight audiences across the globe.”
Pacino stars in forthcoming dramas Manglehorn and The Humbling, which debuted last month at the Venice Film Festival. Earlier this month he premiered a film version of the Oscar Wilde play Salome - which he directed - in London. It marked his second directorial turn, following 1996’s Looking for Richard.
