Clint Eastwood, one of Hollywood's most successful actor-turned-director stories, is basking in a praise-worthy glory. He has been named the recipient of the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film, an upscale film tribute offered by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. The award will be forked over during the 15th annual Britannia Awards, airing November 2 at the Century Plaza.

Says BAFTA/LA chairman Peter Morris, ”Clint Eastwood is an undisputed international icon and an enormous creative force, both behind and in front of the camera. It is our distinct pleasure to honor him with our highest film award.” Previous prize-winners include Tom Hanks, Michael Caine, Tom Cruise and Martin Scorsese. Poor Marty may never win an Oscar, but at least he has something to peek at on his shelf.

Clint did more than redefine coolness with his gun-toting turn as Dirty Harry. He landed best director/best picture Oscars for his western Unforgiven, and recently for the knock-out Million Dollar Baby. He deserves a lot of recognition, especially since he is 76-years-old and still banging out quality material.

His much-anticipated war epic Flags Of Our Fathers hits theaters October 20th.