Spielberg to be awarded Philadelphia Liberty Medal

The National Constitution Center made the announcement today. Former President Bill Clinton will present the award, which comes with a USD 100,000 cash prize, to Spielberg on October 8.

Spielberg's films include "Schindler's List", "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Color Purple". He has also established a foundation to produce video and oral histories of Holocaust survivors.

The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to honour individuals and organizations whose actions represent the founding principles of the United States.

Previous winners have included Bono, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and former US President Jimmy Carter.