Armyan Bernstein, the producer-writer of The Hurricane and chairman of Beacon Communications, will receive the ShoWest 2000 Producer of the Year award at the US exhibition convention in Las Vegas on March 9.

Bernstein has become one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood over the last decade, with a production deal at Universal Pictures and credits including End Of Days, For Love Of The Game, Air Force One, A Thousand Acres, The Commitments and Sugar Hill.

He and Beacon producing partner Marc Abraham are currently in production on 13 Days starring Kevin Costner and Family Man with Nicolas Cage. Bernstein began his film career as a screenwriter on Thank God It's Friday (1978) and One From The Heart (1982). He also wrote and directed Windy City (1984) and Cross My Heart (1987).

Also joining the line-up of ShoWest honourees is Angelina Jolie, who has been named supporting actress of the year for her role in Girl, Interrupted. She has already won the Golden Globe and the Broadcast Film Critics Association award for her performance. Next up for Jolie are parts in Gone In 60 Seconds opposite Nicholas Cage and Dancing In The Dark with Antonio Banderas.

Bernstein and Jolie join the other already announced honourees who include Jim Carrey (Male Star Of The Year), Drew Barrymore (Comedy Star Of The Year), Hilary Swank (Female Star Of Tomorrow) and Anthony Minghella (Director Of The Year).