LAS VEGAS, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is proud to present renowned actor James Caan with the first Vegas Icon Award during the Honorees Reception at the 10th annual CineVegas Film Festival. Caan was selected for his embodiment of the exciting spirit of Las Vegas and delivery of memorable performances in films and television shows set in the world-famous city.

"I am honored that Las Vegas has selected me to be the first recipient of this unique award," said Caan. "I have enjoyed working and visiting the city and always look forward to returning. The people have always been kind to me. I have visited the city over 300 times in the past 35 years and that's why I'm so pleased to receive this award."

The Vegas Icon Award will be presented by Caan's longtime friend and frequent costar, Robert Duvall. Duvall calls his pal, "A very fine and talented actor who's All-State everything."

With his tributes to Las Vegas in both Honeymoon in Vegas and the television series Las Vegas, Caan is a true Vegas icon. One of the most versatile actors in motion pictures, James Caan is best known for his Oscar-nominated performance as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather" and for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of football star Brian Piccolo in "Brian's Song." Beginning his acting career on stage in 1961, Caan followed with a powerful slate of guest appearances in virtually every major television series of the day, and since then has appeared in more than 50 feature films. He was most recently seen in the mega-hit comedy "Elf" in which he co-starred with Will Ferrell and in "Dogville," co-starring Nicole Kidman.

"James Caan was a natural fit for the first Vegas Icon Award as he not only delivers his performances with a rare force, but he truly does personify the dynamic characteristics of Las Vegas," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of marketing, LVCVA. "Caan's roles are always exciting and engaging and he is not afraid to push the envelope."

The CineVegas Honorees Reception will be held on Friday, June 20 from 8-11 p.m. at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino pool. Other award recipients include Anjelica Houston, Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Viggo Mortsensen and Sam Rockwell. Tickets for this event are $25 and can be purchased on the CineVegas Film Festival web site, http://www.cinevegas.com/, or by calling 888-8VEGAS8.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With approximately 136,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 9.7 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to http://www.lvcva.com/ or http://www.visitlasvegas.com/.