Clooney to be honoured at Californian film festival

US movie star George Clooney will receive the 2006 Modern Master Award during the upcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California, the event’s top official said.

“The Modern Master Award is about somebody who has shown versatility - someone who has worn more than just one hat,” Roger Durling, the festival’s executive director, said.

“He is definitely overqualified.”

Clooney directed, produced, co-wrote and co-stars in Good Night, and Good Luck, which opened earlier this month to glowing reviews. It is based on the battle between television journalist Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Clooney, 44, burst onto the scene as Dr. Douglas Ross in the television drama ER. He has starred in such films as Three Kings, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and the remake of Ocean’s Eleven and its sequel, Ocean’s Twelve. He made his directorial debut in 2002 with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

The tribute to Clooney will take place on February 3 and will feature clips from his films and an onstage interview, Durling said.

The 21st annual Santa Barbara Film Festival begins on February 2 and will run for 11 days.