Ben Affleck wins career achievement award

Ben Affleck is to be honoured with a top prize at the upcoming Casting Society of America's 2012 Artios Awards.

The star will follow in the footsteps of fellow filmmaker Quentin Tarantino when he receives the Career Achievement Award, and casting director Lora Kennedy, who worked with Affleck on his movie Argo, will also take home a trophy.

This year's Artios Awards, which celebrate outstanding film, TV and theatre casting, will also recognise actor/playwright Harvey Fierstein.

In a statement, CSA President Pam Dixon says, "Ben is one of the first all encompassing filmmakers we have honored (sic). Ben is a consummate actor, director, writer and producer. The Artios Awards are known for celebrating casting directors, who can challenge audiences with their original and bold ideas, and this applies to Lora, whose body of work exemplifies this."

CSA Vice President Bernie Telsey adds, "When you think of Harvey Fierstein and his contributions to theatre as a playwright, the plays and roles he has written are so much a part of the culture of New York City."

The awards will be handed out at twin ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles on 29 October (12).