Actress Maria Bello will receive the Peter J Owens Award during the 51st San Francisco International Film Festival which runs from April 24 to May 8.

The Owens Award, named after local cultural benefactor and longtime Film Society board member Peter J Owens honours an actor whose work exemplifies 'brilliance, independence and integrity.' Bello will accept the award on Film Society Awards Night on May 1.

One of Bello's latest films, The Yellow Handerchief directed by Udayan Prasad, will screen at the festival.

Her other screen credits include Coyote Ugly, The Cooler, Thank You For Smoking, A History Of Violence, World Trade Center, Downloading Nancy, Towelhead and The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.