Roger Ebert is one of the few film critics I just adore. He’s one of the few major critics that doesn’t get stuck only giving rave reviews to art-house films. He respects family films for what they are – amusement to be enjoyed by young and old. He respects action films for what they are – violent, bloody fun for teenagers. He has an encyclopedic mind for actors, directors, composers, cinematographers, costume designers, and he truly appreciates the details and big picture. When he finds a film pompous, he calls it out. When he loves an actor, actress or director, he loves like a geeky fanboy. There are few left in Hollywood who don’t give Ebert props, and more than a few careers were made because Ebert liked their work.

It comes as a pleasant surprise that one of the major Hollywood guilds would choose to honor Roger Ebert. The Directors Guild of America announced that they would make Roger Ebert an “honorary life member” during January’s annual ceremony.

“From the blockbuster to the tiny independent film, Roger Ebert has devoted his career to sharing his love of film with generations of moviegoers,” DGA president Michael Apted said in a statement. “In doing so, he’s kept directors on their toes for more than 40 years.”

Ebert, 66, is regarded as America’s best-known film critic, thanks in part to the TV show he co-hosted first with Gene Siskel and then with Richard Roeper. He has been battling cancer since 2002 and has lost his voice, but continues to write reviews for the Chicago Sun-Times and other outlets.

The 61st annual DGA Awards dinner will be held January 31 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City.

[From Reuters/Hollywood Reporter]

It’s a little bittersweet considering Roger Ebert has literally been left speechless by papillary thyroid cancer. Ebert continues to write columns for The Chicago Sun-Times though and retains his sense of humor. I’ve always thought that once a person starts receiving lifetime achievement awards and honorariums, it’s not a good sign. I hope that’s not the case, and I hope that the DGA lets Ebert (through his wife) give a speech.

Roger Ebert is shown below signing his book Scorsese at Borders book store in Chicago on 11/6/08. He is shown above with his wife Chaz on 7/14/07. Credit: WENN