The Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA) has decided to give this year’s Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award to Martin Scorsese at a dinner to cap of the day-long industry symposium The Business Of Show Business on April 21 in Washington DC.

The award is presented every other year to an individual whose work ‘exemplifies a dedication to humanity and community.’

‘The MPAA and its member companies are honored to recognize Mr. Martin Scorsese, who for decades has exemplified an extraordinary sense of community both on and off screen,’ said Dan Glickman, MPAA chairman and CEO, in a statement. ‘From Raging Bull to Gangs of New York and The Departed, Mr. Scorsese is a master American storyteller, whose many contributions to the arts community include his founding and chairing the Film Foundation and the World Cinema Foundation, nonprofit organizations dedicated to the preservation and protection of motion picture history around the world. We can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Valenti Award.’

Clint Eastwood was the inaugural recipient in 2007.