Acclaimed actor Louis Gossett Jr. will be honored at The Capital City Black Film Festival this year. The Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winner will receive the Harlem Lights! Living Legend Award at the festival’s fifth annual Opening Night Gala, which will be Aug. 17 at the Austin Convention Center in Texas.

In addition to his award, Gosset will be honored with the world premieres of two films he is featured in, Breaking Brooklyn and The Reason. Breaking Brooklyn follows a 12-year-old boy who loves to dance and his brother who are rescued from the streets by an old showman (Gossett). The boys are taken to live with the showman’s former dancing partner and brother, (Vondie Curtis-Hall). Breaking Brooklyn will premiere Aug. 18. The Reason, which is based on the novel by William Sirls, tells the story of a small-town pastor (Gossett) whose son has been mute for 38 years and a mother whose young son has leukemia. Things change for these individuals when a mysterious man is sent to give them hope. The film will premiere Aug. 20.

Winston G. Williams, executive director of the Capital City Black Film Festival, said, “We are incredibly excited and humbled that Louis Gossett Jr. will be with us as we celebrate our fifth anniversary. His are the shoulders on which we stand as we present the wealth of filmmaking and acting talent that exists in the African-American community. We hold Mr. Gossett Jr. in the highest regard, as do millions around the world, for his character and integrity, his immense talent and the magic he brings to the stage and screen.”

The Capital City Black Film Festival will be held Aug. 17-20. To purchase passes and tickets, go to www.ccbff.eventbrite.com.