Thanks Mr Hanks

He may not be up for an Oscar this year, but Tom Hanks will still be adding to the trophys on his sideboard with the news that the American Film Institute is awarding him their Life Achievement Award. It's a singular honour for Hanks, as he becomes the youngest actor to receive the award. The double Oscar-winner will be joining a hallowed hall of fame; other receipients include Steven Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Orson Welles and Elizabeth Taylor. 'Tom Hanks is American film's Everyman for a new generation,' is how Howard Stringer, chairman of the AFI board of trustees, explained their decision. The Institute will be handing Hanks his award in a fancy dinner in Hollywood on 12 June 2002.