DELIVERANCE - NED BEATTY HONOURED

DELIVERANCE star NED BEATTY is to be honoured with the Master Of Cinema Award at the upcoming RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina.

The 68-year-old star, who has appeared in over 100 films, will be on hand to collect his award.

DALE POLLOCK, the executive director of the festival, says, "The purpose of the Master Of Cinema award is to honour someone who has mastered their craft, and Ned Beatty is a master of what is almost a lost art.

"He is a true character actor, who can really register in any role, large or small, dramatic or humorous."

The film festival takes place next month (16-19MAR06) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.