Forest Whitaker is slated to receive the prestigious Palme d’Or when the Cannes Film Festival celebrates its 75th season this month. The award will be given to Whitaker for his lifetime achievement in the world of cinema, honoring both his artistic achievements and humanitarian commitments.

On May 18, the Festival will also be screening For the Sake of Peace, Whitaker’s documentary about the war and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan that was directed by Christophe Castagne and Thomas Sametin.

In announcing the honor, Festival de Cannes president Pierre Lescure said: “It is a tradition for the Festival de Cannes to honor those who made its history and Forest Whitaker is one of them. He is this young actor that Clint Eastwood revealed in ‘Bird’ and that man who broadens his view of the world to offer it to those who suffer and those who fight. The full honors belong to Whitaker.

This Palme d’or is a gesture of gratitude from the world of cinema.

” Among the previous recipients of the Palme d’Or, have been Jane Fonda, Jodie Foster, Jeanne Moreau, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Manoel de Oliveira.

Whitaker’s first appearance at Cannes had been in 1988, when he was honored for his appearance in Bird, in which he played the role of jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker. He also appeared in The Color of Money, Platoon, and Good Morning, Vietnam. Whitaker won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Kevin Macdonald’s 2006 film The Last King of Scotland.

In accepting the new honor at Cannes, the acclaimed actor issued the following statement: “Thirty-four years ago, attending Cannes for the first time changed my life, and assured me that I’d made the right decision to devote myself to finding connectivity in humanity through film. It’s always a privilege to return to this beautiful festival to both screen my own work, and to be inspired by many of the world’s greatest artists – and I feel incredibly honored to be celebrated as part of the Festival’s momentous 75th anniversary.”