Whitaker receiving Cannes award

Forest Whitaker will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be celebrated as part of the Festival's momentous 75th anniversary,” the actor said. The festival gives the award to those whose artistic careers are matched by their humanitarian commitments.

Previous winners include Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster and Jane Fonda. Whitaker won the best actor award at Cannes in 1988 for Bird, about musician Charlie (Bird) Parker. He won an Oscar for starring in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland.