Iñárritu to receive Sundance Institute award

Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu will be honored with the Vanguard Leadership Award by the Sundance Institute for his "originality and independent spirit" of his films, according to the institute. 

Iñárritu, winner in the last Oscars with his film "Birdman" will receive the award at the fifth edition of the Sundance Institute Benefit Gala, to be held on June 2 in Los Angeles, California. 

"The current health and vibrancy of independent film is best reflected in the stories from filmmakers who continue to push and break boundaries," Sundance Institute executive director Keri Putman said in a statement. 

"Alejandro G. Iñárritu is among the most creative and innovative filmmakers working today, and the boldness, humanity and audacity of his films will inspire generations to come" she added. 

The Sundance Institute was founded in 1981 by actor Robert Redford and is in charge of the organization of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.