Dustin Hoffman is to receive the Peter J Owens Award at the 46th San Francisco International Film Festival, which runs from Apr 17 - May 1. The Owens Award, named after the local cultural benefactor and longtime festival board member, will be presented to Hoffman at the Film Society Awards Night on Apr 23 at San Francisco's Ritz Carlton Hotel.

A tribute to Hoffman has been scheduled for Apr 24, when a retrospective reel and onstage interview will precede a screening of Lenny.

RoxanneMessina Captor, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society, said in a statement: 'The Film Society is honored to present the Peter J Owens Award for a brilliant and independent career to Dustin Hoffman, one of America's finest actors. He has shown courage and care in his choice of roles, avoiding standard star vehicles and brought to life unforgettable characters wh are etched in our memory of outstanding creative performances.'

Hoffman's classic credits include Kramer Vs Kramer, Rain Man (both of which earned him a best actor Oscar), Midnight Cowboy, The Graduate and Tootsie. He will appear later this year in the pictures Confidence, Neverland and Runaway Jury.