Meryl Streep - Meryl Streep Wins Lifetime Achievement To Strengthen Oscar Chances

The actress recently starred as the UK's only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. The film, which is directed by Mamma Mia director Phyllida Law, has been met with critical acclaim and is tipped to be among the winners at this year's Academy Awards. The festival is also planning to screen a number of Meryl Streep's best-known films, including Kramer vs Kramer, Sophie's Choice, Out of Africa and The Bridges of Madison County as well as the more recent production The Iron Lady.

The Honorary Golden Bear was first awarded to James Stewart in 1982 and other recipients include Catherine Deneuve, Kirk Douglas, Oliver Stone and Sophia Loren. This year, the festival will be courting controversy by inviting the Iranian film-maker Jafar Panahi, a supporter of the Green movement who was given a 20-year work ban. Last year, the director was prevented from travelling to the festival. It is unknown, currently, whether he will be in attendance this year.