The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) said today that it will present Denzel Washington with its Board of Governors Award at the ASC Awards ceremony next month in Hollywood.

The Board of Governors Award is the only ASC Award not reserved for a cinematographer, but given instead to "filmmakers who have been champions for directors of photography and the visual art form," the organization said. The ASC cited Washington's filmography as director, which includes Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007), and Fences (2016), in its announcement.

"Denzel Washington is an amazing director and actor and a conscious force in these challenging times," said ASC President Kees van Oostrum in a prepared statement. "A true artist is empowered by the era they live in, and he expresses an awareness of the world around us through his work. It is that strength of character that we honor with the ASC Governors Award."

Washington is a two-time Oscar-winner for his acting roles in Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001). He was nominated yesterday for a Golden Globe for his performance in Fences.

Previous recipients of the ASC Board of Governors Award have included Ridley Scott, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Christopher Nolan and Sally Field.

The ASC: www.theasc.com