Britain's film academy is honoring Martin Scorsese for his "outstanding and exceptional" contribution to cinema.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts said Wednesday that Scorsese will receive its highest honor, the Academy Fellowship, at a ceremony next month.

Academy chairman Tim Corrie said the director of "Taxi Driver," ''Raging Bull" and "Hugo" was "a true inspiration to all young directors the world over."

Scorsese said he was honored to receive the fellowship, whose previous recipients include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock and Elizabeth Taylor.

The British awards, popularly known as BAFTAs, are considered an important indicator of likely success at Hollywood's Academy Awards.

They will be presented Feb. 12 at London's Royal Opera House.