Tom Hanks Ripe for the Feting

Film Society of Lincoln Center will honor Oscar winner's illustrious career in 2009

By Natalie Finn Sep 15, 2008 10:36 PMTags
Tom Hanks©Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com

As if the company that Tom Hanks keeps isn't illustrious enough, he's about to join a group that includes Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, Laurence Olivier and Alfred Hitchcock.

The Film Society at Lincoln Center has chosen the two-time Oscar winner for its 36th Gala Tribute, to take place April 27 at Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan.

"There are so few actors who have been able to make the struggle and drama of being a good man compelling," Kent Jones, the Film Society's associate director of programming, said Monday. "With his talent, his presence, his versatility, his sense of humor, he has set a very high standard for his fellow actors."

Last year's gala featured a star-studded tribute to Meryl Streep, and honorees feted this decade have included Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Michael Caine.