Paul Haggis willreceive the inaugural Maurice Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting atthe 48th San Francisco International Film Festival, which runs from Apr 21-May5.

Haggis, who isnominated for an adapted screenplay Oscar for Million Dollar Baby, will present a masterclass onscreenwriting accompanied by a screening of the drama Crash, which he wrote and directed and isscheduled to open through Lions Gate in May.

The Kanbar Awardis named after the philanthropist and longtime member of the board of directorsof the San Francisco Film Society.