Oscar-winning director Clint Eastwood will receive the Motion Picture Association of America's inaugural Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award, the movie industry organization announced Thursday.  (File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Oscar-winning director Clint Eastwood will receive the Motion Picture Association of America's inaugural Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award, the movie industry organization announced Thursday.

    Eastwood will receive the award Tuesday during a ceremony in Washington D.C. The award will be presented at a private dinner capping off a daylong, first-of-its-kind industry symposium, the Business of Show Business, according to the association.

    The award will be presented annually to an individual in the movie industry whose work has reached out positively and respectfully to all countries, creeds and cultures.

    "The MPAA is thrilled to recognize as its inaugural recipient, Mr. Clint Eastwood, who for decades has exemplified the decency and goodness of spirit in his moviemaking," said Dan Glickman, MPAA chairman and chief executive officer.

    Glickman said Clint's latest two movies about World War II's infamous battle at Iwo Jima present a remarkable work of looking at both sides of a moment in history, and providing a commentary on its impact in the lives of those who experienced it.

    "These films exemplify the true power of movies to tell human stories and inspire national conversation," said the MPAA chairman, referring to "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Letters from Iwo Jima" directed by Eastwood last year.

    The award was named for long-time MPAA chief Jack Valenti, who together with MPAA member studios helped select the 76-year-old Eastwood as the award's inaugural recipient.