Judi Dench to receive Kirk Douglas Award Of Excellence

Los Angeles: Veteran actor Judi Dench will be honored with this year's Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film presented by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The 82-year-old Oscar-winning star will receive the award on November 30 at a black-tie gala dinner at Bacara Resort and Spa, reported Deadline.

The Douglas award has been presented since 2006 and past honorees include last year's recipient Warren Beatty as well as Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert De Niro, Michael

Douglas, Harrison Ford, Ed Harris, Quentin Tarantino, and John Travolta.

"I am especially delighted to learn that Dame Judi Dench will accept the award that bears my name.

"She is a consummate artist of stage and screen who is a particular favorite of mine. I wish I could have had the joy of working with her, but I am happy for the pleasure of seeing my name coupled with hers in support of the Santa Barbara Film Festival," said the 100-year-old Douglas who will turn 101 on December 9.