Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon will be be honoured by The American Cinematheque with its annual award, on October 30 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

Witherspoon, 39, was most recently Oscar-nominated for lead actress in 201’s Wild, which was produced by her Pacific Standard production company.

“Reese Witherspoon’s career is a perfect example of an actress flourishing in today’s world. She achieved commercial success early in comedies like ‘Election’, ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and then added major critical success to her resume with movies such as ‘Walk the Line’ for which she received the Academy award for best actress,” said Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman.

“She has refused to be limited to only certain types of roles and has continued to impress with her varied choices, ranging from smaller roles in dramas such as ‘Mud’ to a tour-de-force, Oscar-nominated performance last year in ‘Wild’. She is an active and successful movie producer who is moving her career forward both behind and in front of the camera. The most appropriate role for Reese Witherspoon today is role model.”

The annual gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cinematheque and honours actors in mid-career who are making significant contributions to the film biz. Matthew McConaughey was last year s honoree, reported Variety.