LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Film critic Roger Ebert will be made an honorary life member of the Directors Guild of America during the group's annual awards ceremony on January 31.
"From the blockbuster to the tiny independent film, Roger Ebert has devoted his career to sharing his love of film with generations of moviegoers," DGA president Michael Apted said in a statement. "In doing so, he's kept directors on their toes for more than 40 years."
Ebert, 66, is regarded as America's best-known film critic, thanks in part to the TV show he co-hosted first with Gene Siskel and then with Richard Roeper. He has been battling cancer since 2002 and has lost his voice, but continues to write reviews for the Chicago Sun-Times and other outlets.
The 61st annual DGA Awards dinner will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
