Arnett to receive award of distinction at Banff festival

This Jan. 15, 2012 file photo shows actors Amy Poehler, left, and Will Arnett arriving at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

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The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, January 23, 2013 9:54PM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, January 23, 2013 9:55PM EST

TORONTO - Comedian Will Arnett will receive the Canadian Award of Distinction at the Banff World Media Festival.

The "Up All Night" star will be presented with the prize at the annual Rockie Awards gala, which celebrates some of the biggest names in television.

The award is presented to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry.

Past recipients include Paul Haggis, Howie Mandel, Eric McCormack and Martin Short.

Arnett -- whose credits include the acclaimed sitcoms "Arrested Development" and "30 Rock" -- says in a release that he's thrilled "to be included in the list of other eh-list Canadian artists."

The TV and digital media festival runs June 9 to 12 in Banff, Alta.