Gary Sinise honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Beaufort Film Festival

Actor Gary Sinise received a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday night at the annual Beaufort International Film Festival.Photo byAmber Hewitt/Amber's Eye Photography

Actor Gary Sinise was honored on Saturday night at the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival for his acting career, as well as his work with veterans and their families; receiving the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award in a special presentation.

“We are honored to have Gary Sinise back in Beaufort where the character of Lt. Dan first appeared nearly 30 years ago. His body of work as an artist and humanitarian is worthy of celebration,” said Ron Tucker President of the Beaufort Film Society.

Gary Sinise’s stage, television and film career has spanned nearly fifty years. Beginning in 1974, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company then twenty years later for his performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in the blockbuster film Forrest Gump, he received nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Academy Awards, and earned Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review and the Commander’s Award from the Disabled American Veterans. Other film credits include Apollo 12, Ransom, The Green Mile and The Human Stain.

For over forty years Gary has stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s service members, but following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Gary’s dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans, first responders and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our country.

The evening's ceremony started with a video of Sinise's fellow actors, including Tom Hanks, congratulating the actor before he was invited on stage for a discussion with Tucker.

In 2003, after several USO handshake tours, he formed the Lt. Dan Band and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. Over the years, the 13 piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world.

The Lt. Dan Band performed live in concert at MCAS Beaufort on Friday night, a show that was attended by thousands, adding a huge bonus to his two day visit to Beaufort for the Festival.

Sinise started the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 and has since formed R.I.S.E., which builds homes for veterans, and the Snowball Express, which brings gold star families to Disney World.

Photo byAmber Hewitt/Amber's Eye Photography

"(The decision) wasn't difficult at all, you know, when you think of lifetime achievement, Gary has been in the film business for 50 years, that's a lifetime to a lot of folks," Tucker said.

It was an award well- deserved.