BAFTA LA to honour Sean Penn

Sean Penn's work in the movie industry is to be honoured when he receives the highest accolade bestowed by The British Academy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles.

The 2008 Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film will be presented to the actor at an awards ceremony this November.

Chairman Peter Morris said: "As a celebrated actor, director and producer, Sean has become a film icon over the past three decades.

"The roles and subject matter he chooses to tackle as a filmmaker are both challenging and inspiring to audiences worldwide."

The Oscar-winning actor will next portray gay rights icon Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant's biographical drama Milk, due for a November release.