Bermuda resident Michael Douglas will receive the American Film Institute's (AFI) 37th Life Achievement Award in honour of work over a 40-year career.

Well known for his performances in such renowned films as 'Wall Street' for which he won an Oscar 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and 'Fatal Attraction', the award is said to be 'the highest honour for a career in film".

Sir Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI board of trustees told the LA Times: "Michael Douglas is the rightful heir to the throne of the royal family of American film.

"Though he is most beloved as one of the great leading men of the movies, Michael is also a most accomplished film producer and, ultimately, an artist whose films have been elevated in the pantheon of American film."

He continued: "AFI is proud to present him with its 37th Life Achievement Award, 18 years after we so honoured his father, the legendary Kirk Douglas."

The award will be presented to Mr. Douglas tonight in Los Angeles. Both his parents will be in attendance Kirk and his Bermuda-born mother, Diana Dill Darrid.

"I am honoured and overwhelmed to be included in such a prestigious group of filmmakers," said Mr. Douglas. "I am particularly moved to be following my father 18 years later."

The actor and producer has been involved in the making of many movies ranging from political dramas to action comedies, but confessed to the LA Times that it took some time to find himself.

"I think most sons and daughters of successful parents take a little longer to find out who they are," he said. "Basically, I looked young for a long time.

"And when you have such an icon, with your father, it takes you time to find your own identity, to feel comfortable in your own skin."

Despite the initial soul-searching, Mr. Douglas found his niche.

"'Fatal' was a great high concept, really well-executed," he said.

With "Basic Instinct" he was "looking for a slam dance. It was a conservative time and I was looking for something out there."

The AFI award follows news that Mr. Douglas and his actress wife Catherine Zeta Jones will temporarily move to New York with their two young children, Dylan and Carys.

Said Mr. Douglas to the LA Times: "I have a huge family in Bermuda. It's a great place to raise kids."