The Italian Contemporary Film Festival will present Rick Campanelli with its Inaugural Award of Excellence, for his outstanding contribution to arts and entertainment in Canada.

Campanelli spent nearly a decade as a VJ for MuchMusic before leaving in 2005 for the launch of Entertainment Tonight Canada, where he currently co-hosts.

Campanelli is also involved with numerous charitable organizations including Tuberous Sclerosis, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, McMaster Children’s hospital, World Vision and Kid’s Help Phone.

The award was presented at the festival’s opening night on Wednesday, at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto.