The International Documentary Association (IDA) will bestow its prestigious 2008 Career Achievement Award on legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog.

The award is given to a filmmaker who has made a major impact on the documentary genre through a long and distinguished body of work.

Although the German director is equally well known for his narrative works, his documentary credits include 'Grizzly Man,' 'White Diamond,' 'My Best Fiend,' 'Little Dieter Needs to Fly,' and 'Land of Silence And Darkness.' His latest documentary 'Encounters at the End of the World' was released earlier this year from Image/THINKFilm.

IDA's Interim Executive Director Eddie Schmidt explained the reasons for recognizing Herzog. 'Werner is a true original, and we are extremely proud to recognize his vast and unique contributions to the evolving art of nonfiction film.' said Schmidt.

Commenting on the award, Herzog highlighted the importance of documentary filmmaking in today's society. 'With the onslaught of new technologies such as digital effects and photo-shop, and new forms of 'reality TV' and virtual realities in cyberspace, our sense of reality is challenged in an unprecedented way. Documentary filmmaking is called upon to find new answers. In these times of re-definition, it is a particular honour for me to receive the award from the IDA,' said Herzog.

Previous recipients of the award have included Sheila Nevins, Michael Apted, Ken Burns, Albert Maysles, Haskell Wexler, and last year's recipient, Michael Moore.

Herzog will accept the honour at the organization's annual awards ceremony, to be held on Dec 5th, 2008 at the Directors Guild in Los Angeles.

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