Award for Italian star

ROME: Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for Life is Beautiful, will be honoured with a career award at this year’s Venice Film Festival, organisers said yesterday.

Known for his irreverent, clownish antics, the 68-year-old Tuscan is one of Italy’s most popular film stars. He has directed nine movies and acted in dozens more.

“My heart is full of joy and gratitude. It is an immense honour to receive such an important recognition of my work,” Benigni said after hearing the news.