Along with Michael Caine, actor Robert De Niro will be honored at this year's San Sebastian International Film Festival in September with a "Donostia" Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robert De Niro, Jr. was born in New York City on August 17, 1943, the son of a successful painter. He is considered one of the great cinematic chameleons, capable of changing his voice and appearance for a drama or for a comedy. In his 25-year career, De Niro has worked with great directors including: Coppola, Cimino, Kazan, Leone, Gilliam, Parker, De Palma and Tarantino; his filmography includes more than 70 titles.

De Niro was trained in acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop. He took his first cinematic steps with Brian de Palma and Roger Corman in 1969 and his film Bang the Drum Slowly earned him critical acclaim in 1973. His meeting in 1973 with Martin Scorsese was what eventually made him into one of the biggest names in American cinema, his big break came after starring in Martin Scorcese's Mean Streets. Since this collaborationt, the two have worked on eight films together including Casino. In 1974, De Niro won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Godfather Part II. He went on to win the Best Actor trophy in 1980 for his role in Raging Bull.

Currently a resident of New York City, De Niro runs and operate his own production company (Tri Be Ca films) and made his directing debut with A Bronx Tale in 1993.

The 2000 edition of the San Sebastián Festival will honor two of this century's greatest actors: Sir Michael Caine, who will receive his award from film and theatre actress Rosa María Sardá and Robert de Niro, who will share his moment with Javier Bardem, who recently won the Best Actor Award Venice Film Festival for Before Night Falls .