Al Pacino receives Strasberg acting prize

Al Pacino received the prestigious 'Lee Strasberg Artistic Achievement Award' in New York City this week.

The Godfather star was on hand at Manhattan's Marriott Marquis hotel to personally accept the honour from the Actors Fund of America, a charitable group which aims to assist struggling entertainment professionals.

Pacino stressed how important the Actors Fund has been to his own life in his remarks to the gathered audience.

"From my decades of work in theater and film, I know firsthand the importance of our community giving back to support those in need," he said. "Actors, musicians, directors, crew members and so many others - they are all a part of our community. And when they need a helping hand, we know The Actors Fund will be there."

The prize is named after the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg, who was a mentor to the young Pacino. The pair would go on to star together in two feature films, 1974's The Godfather, Part II and 1979's courtroom drama …And Justice For All.

Former Cheers actress Bebe Neuwirth also received a special tribute at the ceremony.

Alec Baldwin and Annette Bening hosted the event.

Pacino recently signed on to play notorious mobster Aniello 'The Tall Guy' Dellacroce alongside Lindsay Lohan and John Travolta in the upcoming Gotti: Three Generations.

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Watch Al Pacino discuss his friendship with Lee Strasberg at the Festival of Rome below: