Warren Beatty to receive AFI Life Achievement Award
Warren Beatty, a one-time bit player on the sitcom “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” who went on to star in such films as “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Heaven Can Wait” and “Shampoo,” and to win an Academy Award for directing “Reds,” today was named recipient of the American Film Institute’s 36th Life Achievement Award.
“Warren Beatty has charmed movie-goers as a dynamic leading man from his first moment on screen and continues to do so today,” said Sir Howard Stringer, chairman of the AFI board of trustees. “He is also a master filmmaker--a writer, producer and director of such artistry and influence that his movies - from ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ to ‘Reds’ - have left an indelible mark on the cultural legacy of American film.”
The award will be presented at a tribute in Los Angeles on June 12.
Previous recipients of the AFI life achievement award include John Ford, James Cagney, Orson Welles, Barbara Stanwyck, Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Nicholson, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Sean Connery and Al Pacino.
Beatty, 70, made his screen debut opposite Natalie Wood in “Splendor in the Grass,” then went on to star in such films as “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone,” “All Fall Down” and “Mickey One.” He turned to producing in 1967 with “Bonnie and Clyde,” then added writing credits on “Shampoo” (1971) and “Heaven Can Wait” (1978). He then wrote, produced, directed and starred in “Reds” (1981).
He is the younger brother of actress Shirley MacLaine.
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