ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR STANWYCK

For only the third time in 15 years, a woman has been named the recipient of the American Film Institute’s annual Life Achievement Award. Barbara Stanwyck, whose career in film and television spans 60 years, will be honored with the prestigious award for 1987 at a dinner in April.

“It’s very exciting that the third woman has been designated,” said American Film Institute Director Jean Firstenberg. “It’s gratifying to those of us who care about the recognition and respect to women for their contributions to the art of the moving image.

“I think this award is quite significant,” Firstenberg said, “because women have contributed mightily to the history of film, but their careers usually seem to be shorter and thus the body of work (by women) is not as extensive. Stanwyck’s is a superb selection. She’s well known, well respected and well appreciated by several generations of filmgoers and television watchers.”

Stanwyck, chosen by the film institute’s board of trustees, joins Bette Davis, named in 1977, and Lillian Gish, named in 1984, along with a list of 12 other individuals “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film-making art,” according to the institute’s announcement. John Ford received the first award in 1972.

Stanwyck, 79, began her career at 15 as a nightclub chorus girl. Her best-known film credits include “Stella Dallas” (1937), “Double Indemnity” (1944) and “Sorry Wrong Number” (1948). On television she starred in “The Big Valley” from 1965 to 1968, “The Colbys” last year and “The Thorn Birds” miniseries in 1983. She will be honored at the annual Life Achievement Award dinner and tribute on April 9.