FILM SOCIETY TO HONOR GUINNESS

The Film Society of Lincoln Center on Tuesday selected Alec Guinness for its annual tribute to “a major film artist.” The gala tribute will be held at Lincoln Center on April 27, with the 73-year-old English actor expected to attend.

“Over the years, no one has given us more pleasure than Sir Alec Guinness,” said Film Society President Alfred R. Stern in a statement released here.

Guinness, who has appeared in more than 40 films, began his movie career in 1946 with David Lean’s “Great Expectations.” Guinness received an Academy Award in 1957 for his performance in “The Bridge Over the River Kwai” and an honorary Oscar in 1977 for lifetime achievement. His autobiography, “Blessings in Disguise,” was published last year.

The Film Society also announced this week that the annual tribute, a fund-raiser, will for the first time be underwritten by a corporation, the Continental Corp. Foundation, one of the country’s largest insurance holding companies. According to Film Society executive director Joanne Koch, a $500,000, five-year commitment by the foundation will make it possible for the society to realize more money from the annual tributes for its film programs, including the New York Film Festival, an annual new directors/new films series and Film Comment magazine.