The inaugural Cinema: Rome Film Fest, which will be held in the Italian capitol from 13 to 21 October, is shaping up to become a major European festival destination this Fall. The details of the event are just beginning to take shape, with an ambitious program of serious arthouse premieres, industry networking opportunities and a substantial sprinkling of Hollywood stardust.

Sure to be one of the highlights of the event will be atribute to veteran actor Sean Connery , who will be the first recipient of the new Rome Film Fest’s Acting Award. The prize honoring the craft of film acting has been established by CINEMA, the Festival’s collaboration with IMAIE (the actors’ and authors’ syndicate).

Sean Connery At The Academy Awards

The Oscar-winning actor will receive several tributes during a three-day celebration of his life and career. On October 12th, on the eve of the Festival, Connery will be present at a special concert event, conducted by Riccardo Muti, which will feature musical themes from many of Connery’s films over a 45 year career.

Connery will receive his award on stage on the Festival's Opening Night Gala, to be held on October 13th at Rome’s prestigious Auditorium Parco della Musica. On October 14, Connery will receive yet another award, the City of Rome Prize , by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, one of the Festival's key boosters and supporters.

In addition, the Festival will present a 14 film retrospective of films starring the Scottish-born icon, including his James Bond films of the 1960s, his Oscar-winning turn in THE UNTOUCHABLES (1988), and his recent work in the films ENTRAPMENT (1999), FINDING FORRESTER (2000) and THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (2004). The 76-year-old film star, who is rumored to reteam with Harrison Ford on the next INDIAN JONES sequel, was honored in June with the distinguished AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his 85-film career over nearly five decades.

“I am greatly honored to be the first actor to receive the Festa del Cinema Award