Legendary Hollywood producer Robert Evans is to be presented withthe Leadership Award at a gala evening for charity Best Buddies during thisyear's Toronto International Film Festival.

The Sept 13 event will see Evans, producer of The Godfatherand Chinatown among other classics, join a list of previous awardwinners that includes Muhammad Ali, Maria Shriver and Herb Ritts.

In a statement, festival board member and gala co-chair BarryAvrich said: "Robert Evans embodies a creativity and passion for life thatinspires all of us to be leaders and make ambitions a reality.

"The award reflects the ultimate triumph over adversity and thatis Robert Evans."