Paul Gross will add the Banff festival’s award of distinction to his list of achievements this spring, following word that the director and star of Passchendaele has been selected to take home the prize.

Sponsored by NBC Universal Canada, the award honors an individual’s career in the broadcast industry. It will be presented during a luncheon on June 8.

Gross was singled out for his acting chops on the Gemini Award-winning drama Due South. He was also praised for his work in the critically acclaimed The Movie Network/Movie Central series Slings & Arrows and the feature Men with Brooms, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Men with Brooms earned $3.8 million at the Canuck box office in 2002.

Gross’ recent feature, the $20-million Passchendaele, opened the Toronto International Film Festival last year and has gone on to generate $4.4 million at the box office — making it the top Canadian film of 2008.

‘Paul is one of the most renowned actors, writers and directors in Canada, and his distinguished career is a leading example of what this award was created to celebrate,’ said Ron Suter, newly appointed EVP of NBC Universal Television Distribution in Canada.

‘As an actor, writer and director, Paul has carved an undeniable mark on the television and film industry in Canada,’ added Peter Vamos, exec director of the Banff World Television Festival.

Previous award of distinction winners include Kim Cattrall and Colm Feore.