Actor-turned-director Jason Priestley is to receive an ACTRA National Award of Excellence later this month in Los Angeles.

ACTRA, the actors union, said national president Ferne Downey will present the award to Priestly on Jan. 31 for his contribution to Canadian film and TV.

Vancouver-born Priestley, who broke out with his star turn on Beverly Hills 90210, in recent years has increasingly acted and directed back in his native Canada.

His directing credits include his debut dramatic feature Cas & Dylan, Haven, Rookie Blue and Saving Hope.

The ACTRA Award of Excellence has previously gone to Kiefer Sutherland, Sandra Oh, Eugene Levy and Bruce Greenwood.