Because he can never be praised too much, Al Pacino will receive the American Film Institute's 35th AFI Life Achievement Award, the group's highest honor for a career in film.

Pacino will have to wait a while, though, since the award won't be presented until a gala ceremony on June 7, 2007. Fortunately, he has an Oscar, an Emmy, several Tonys, a few Golden Globes, a DGA award and all assortment of other laurels to keep himself warm until then.

The AFI show will air on USA.

"Al Pacino is an icon of American film," says Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI of the AFI Board of Trustees. "He has created some of the great characters in the movies -- from Michael Corleone to Tony Montana to Roy Cohn. His career inspires audiences and artists alike, with each new performance a master class for a generation of actors to follow. AFI is proud to present him with its 35th Life Achievement Award."

For his part, Pacino was effusive and overjoyed.

"I am moved and honored to be considered for such a prestigious award," Pacino notes.

Pacino has received eight Academy Award nominations for his lengthy career, finally winning the big prize for "Scent of a Woman" in 1993. Most recently spotted in "The Merchant of Venice" and "Two for the Money," Pacino will next appear in the thriller "88 Minutes" and the high profile sequel "Ocean's Thirteen."

If you feel like Pacino is constantly being presented with some lifetime achievement award or another, you're probably correct. His haul of career honors has included nods from the Venice Film Festival, Lincoln Center, Gotham Awards, Golden Globes and the American Cinematheque among others.