The American Film Institute (AFI) this week announced that film director Mel Brooks received the organization’s Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute on Thursday. The award was presented by veteran film director Martin Scorsese. The presentation will air on cable channel TNT on Saturday, June 15 at 9 pm EDT.

“For over 50 years, Mel Brooks has given the world its greatest gift – laughter,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. “At the American Film Institute, we also want to shine a proper light on his contributions to the art form as writer, producer, director and actor – and who better to bestow this honor than one of the masters of American film, Martin Scorsese.”

AFI began giving out Life Achievement Awards in 1973 as a way to award those “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art.” John Ford was the first recipient of the award. Scorsese received his AFI Life Achievement Award, the organization’s 25th, back in 1997. Brooks is now the 41st recipient of the award.

(Image courtesy Angela George)