He is expected to receive the prize during the 32nd annual Camerimage event in November.
This marks the first time the festival, which celebrates the art of cinematography, has bestowed this particular honor, Polish state news agency PAP reported on Thursday.
Sanada, known for his roles in over 50 films including the Oscar-nominated The Twilight Samurai by Yoji Yamada, has also made significant contributions to television. His latest work includes a role in the FX adaptation of the novel Shogun, where he not only stars as Lord Toranaga but also serves as a producer.
His performance has earned him two Emmy nominations: Best Actor in a Drama Series and Best Drama Series. Additionally, Sanada received a nomination from North America's Television Critics Association (TCA) for Individual Achievement in Drama this year.
Recently, Sanada appeared in John Wick: Chapter 4, directed by Chad Stahelski, and the 2022 Sony Pictures action comedy Bullet Train by David Leitch, alongside Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock.
Other notable appearances include Netflix's Army of the Dead, directed by Zack Snyder, and Warner Bros' fantasy film Mortal Kombat, produced by James Wan.
Sanada's early Hollywood break came with his role in The Last Samurai (2003), starring Tom Cruise, followed by blockbusters such as Wolverine (2013), 47 Ronin (2013), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Minions (2015).
He has also been featured in acclaimed TV series such as the final season of Lost and the second season of Westworld.
Festival director Marek Żydowicz, praised Sanada as a "true ambassador of film art," whose influence on both Japanese and global cinema is profound.
"It is an honor for us to recognize such an outstanding artist," Żydowicz said.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP, trojka.polskieradio.pl