Photo credit: David Shankbone

After a string of critically-acclaimed films under his resume, veteran director Martin Scorsese will receive Golden Globe’s Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award next year.

According to a statement by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), Scorsese, 66 years old, will receive the honor because of his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment field.”

Following a round of voting, Scorsese, who made hits like The Departed, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, was the choice of the HFPA Board of Directors.
Scorsese will receive the prize at the 67th Annual Golden Globes on 17 January. The show, hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais, will be broadcast live on NBC from the Beverly Hilton.

Actress Vera Farmiga, who appeared in Scorsese’ Oscar-winning movie The Departed, announced the award at a news conference on Thursday. Farmiga spoke fondly of Scorsese, crediting his “the power to rouse a crowd.”

“He has the power to rouse a crowd and bring them along on his holy mission,” Farmiga was quoted by BBC News saying.

“He considers it holy work, and cinema is his shrine. And he instills in the actors, in the crew, and everybody around him just what a powerful tool it is,” she added.

Scorsese received two Golden Globe Awards for Best Director of a Motion Picture for movies The Departed and Gangs of New York, both starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s also the recipient of other nominations, including four as Best Director for Casino, Age of Innocence, Goodfellas and Raging Bull, and one for Best Screenplay with Nicolas Pileggi for Goodfellas.

Recent Cecil B. DeMille awardees are Steven Spielberg in 2009, Warren Beatty in 2007, Anthony Hopkins in 2006, Robin Williams in 2005, Michael Douglas in 2004, Gene Hackman in 2003, Harrison Ford in 2002, Al PAcino in 2001 and Barbara Streisand in 2000. (Grace R)

Sources: Golden Globes and BBC News