More than ten years after The American Film Institute initially offered him the honor, 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas accepted the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award Thursday night.

Surrounded by admirers and colleagues, including original 'Star wars' cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamil, and Carrie Fisher, Lucas recalled how he originally turned down the Institute's offer and told them he wouldn't accept the prestigious award until he was at least 60-years-old. Now 61, he has gained world-wide acclaim as the mastermind behind not only the 'Star Wars' series, but a long list of classic films like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' and 'American Graffiti.' "I love movies ... I love to watch them, I love to make them," Lucas said Thursday.

He joins past recipients of the AFI honor, like Martin Scorcese, Alfred Hitchcock, and Meryl Streep. The USA network will broadcast the ceremony on Monday, June 20 at 9 P.M.

Posted by Lawren at June 13, 2005 07:02 AM

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