SAG salutes James Earl Jones with Lifetime award.

The man who gave voice to Star Wars‘ legendary villain Darth Vader is being recognized for his own legendary acting career. James Earl Jones will receive the Screen Actors Guild’s (SAG) Lifetime Achievement award at next year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. “James Earl Jones’ distinguished career on stage, in film, on television, in commercials and as a vocal presence without peer commands our admiration and respect,” says SAG President Alan Rosenberg, who announced the award. “His long and quiet devotion to advancing literacy, the arts and humanities on a national and local scale deserves our appreciation. It is our honor to bestow the Guild’s highest tribute on this extraordinary actor.” Jones’ other notable performances have included roles in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. The SAG Awards are set for January 2009.