Martin Scorsese to be feted with Visionary Award for The Irishman

PSIFF is set to honour The Wolf of Wall Street director Martin Scorsese for his incredible contribution in his 2019 crime drama featuring De Niro and Pacino in lead roles.

Washington: Filmmaker Martin Scorsese has been selected for the Sonny Bono Visionary Award by the Palm Springs International Film Festival for his latest release The Irishman.

Scorsese recently hogged headlines for his "theme park" remark on Marvel films.

The filmmaker will be bestowed with the prestigious honour at the festival's gala next year on January 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Commenting on his newest feature, festival chairman Harold Matzner said: "Martin Scorsese has directed another masterpiece about the world of organised crime with his latest film The Irishman, which brings to life the epic story of hitman Frank Sheeran."

He further added: "The film is one of Scorsese's finest and features outstanding performances from its stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. We are delighted to recognize Martin Scorsese with this year's Sonny Bono Visionary Award for this extraordinary directorial achievement."

READ | Karen Gillan reacts to Martin Scorsese comment on Marvel films

Based on Charles Brandt's non-fiction book I Heard You Paint Houses, the movie is centred on the bond shared by hitman Frank Sheeran and labour union leader Jimmy Hoffa who disappeared in 1975 under mysterious circumstances and since then he has never been found.

While Robert De Niro plays the role of Frank Sheeran, Al Pacino portrays the character of Jimmy Hoffa in the epic crime drama.

The film has already been screened at Rome, London and Los Cabos Film Festival and garnered rave reviews.

It will soon start airing on the giant streaming service, Netflix.

With inputs from ANI.