SeanConnery will receive the new Rome Film Festival (Oct 13-21)'s first Acting Award,which pays tribute to a major living actor.

Connerywill be the subject of a retrospective of 14 films, from his James Bond movie From Russia WithLove (1963) to Finding Forrester (2000).

'Iam greatly honoured to be the first actor to receive the RomeFilmFest'sAward,' Connery said. 'Given by the City of Rome makes it all the moreattractive, reflecting its enormous contribution to world cinema and the arts.I'm certain it will be a splendid celebration.'

Ata press conference in Rome's Campidogliotown hall, city mayor and festival promoter Walter Veltronisaid he will also award Connery a City of Rome prize. And on the eve ofthe international festival, Connery will be guest of honour at a specialconcert held in the city's auditorium, conducted by maestro RiccardoMuti.

Inaddition to the Acting Award, a jury headed by Italian auteur Ettore Scola and composed of 50selected members of the public will hand out three official festival prizes.

A$250,660 (Euros 200,000) award will be given to the best film, and prizes -designed by Roman jeweller Bulgari and inspired bythe Roman equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius - will also go to the best actorand best actress.

Inthe meantime, Rome has also announced threeparallel prizes to be awarded by independent juries: The PremioCult prize, sponsored by Italian satellite TV network Fox, will go to the bestdocumentary.

Videostore Blockbuster will sponsor a prize for the best film screening in thePremiere section, dedicated to spectacular movies; and mobile telephoneoperator 3 Italia will award a prize to the most innovative digital film.

Overall,the Rome Film Festival will screen around 80 films, including

14international movies in competition and seven European or internationalout-of-competition gala premieres.

Thefestival is also collaborating with the TribecaFestival, although details have not yet been revealed.

Rome's announcement comes ascompetition heats up between the capital and Venice (Aug 30-Sept 9), who arenow both vying for gala premieres.

Inthe past, Venice has always made fewannouncements ahead of its official press conference at the end of July.

Butin a sign of heightened competition between the two events - although organisersof both festivals continue to deny rivalry - Rome's press conference comesjust one day after Venice announced that TrumanCapote drama Infamous will open its Orizzonti competition.

Rome will announce its fullline-up at the end of September, but like Venice, is expected to publicisesome titles ahead of its official press conference.