The 37-year-old Irish actor, Colin Farrell, whose 10-year-old son, James, suffers from Angelman Syndrome - a rare genetic disorder with symptoms including intellectual and developmental disability - will receive the special award for his advocacy work during the The Moving Families Forward Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York on October 21st.

Speaking about the honour, the 'Epic' star said: "It is my deep privilege to be honoured by the Ackerman Institute for the Family.

"Throughout the years, Ackerman has provided a platform of shared knowledge and experience that is essential for the sense of community that all parents long for, for themselves and their children. For parents who have been blessed with a child with Special Needs, this sense of community and togetherness takes on an even more immediate importance.

"The involvement and support offered throughout Ackerman's various programs have made a great difference in so many lives and so I am truly humbled to accept this award. As a proud father of a child with Special Needs, I accept it in honour of all parents everywhere, who work tirelessly to ensure that their children get all the care and support that they both need and so richly deserve."

The 'Seven Psychopaths' star, who is also a global ambassador for the Special Olympics, has two sons, James, whose mother is model Kim Bordenave, and three-year-old Henry with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus.