The renowned thespian Sidney Poitier will be given a 2007 Common Wealth Award for his offerings to the film business at the event next month.The 80-year-old star - who became the first black man to win the Best Actor Academy Award for his role in Lilies Of The Filed in 1963 - joins former Polish president Aleksander Kwansniewski, veteran broadcast journalist Cokie Roberts, and author Ian McEwan as honourees of the awards. The Common Wealth Awards recognise people who demonstrate both excellence in their respective fields and serve as an inspiration to others, according to committee member Connie Bond Stuart. Each recipient will receive a $50,000 (£25,640) cheque, when they are presented with the awards at a ceremonial dinner in Delaware on 28 April (07).

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