:: Spotlight :: George Lucas receives top American honour

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

George Lucas was selected by the American Film Institute's (AFI) Board of Trustees to receive the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honour for a career in film. The award was presented to Lucas at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on June 9, 2005.

“I've been very fortunate to have had a long career doing what I love to do, and being recognised by AFI for it is really an honour,” Lucas said. “I'm proud to be counted among such an extraordinary group of people whose lives are dedicated to the art of making movies.”

George Lucas has proven to be a master storyteller and a moving image pioneer. An AFI spokesman said, “He has advanced the art of the moving image like few others, and in the process has inspired a new generation of filmmakers around the world. AFI is proud to present him with its Life Achievement Award.”

Lucas has recently ended the Star Wars trilogy with Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith.

Here are pictures courtesy of the American Film Institute.

George Lucas receives his award

George Lucas with a fan	George Lucas with Steven Spielberg

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford pay tribute	Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart

Bonnie Hammer and George Lucas	George Lucas and Harrison Ford

Laura Allen on the red carpet	Molly Sims on the red carpet

Bonnie Hammer and Steven Spielberg