James Earl Jones To Be Honored By U.S. Acting Union

The man behind the voice of STAR WARS supervillain DARTH VADER is to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement prize at next year's (09) Screen Actors Guild Awards.

James Earl Jones will be presented with the gong for his career achievement and humanitarian efforts. In announcing the recipient of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement award, SAG President Alan Rosenberg says, "James Earl Jones' distinguished career on stage, in film, on television, in commercials and as a vocal presence without peer commands our admiration and respect.

"His long and quiet devotion to advancing literacy, the arts and humanities on a national and local scale deserves our appreciation. It is our honor to bestow the Guild's highest tribute on this extraordinary actor." The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place on 25 January (08).