Funnyman Will Ferrell is set to be honored for his contributions to comedy with the coveted Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
 
The Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy star has been chosen by officials at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the 2011 honoree.

Ferrell will receive the award, named after famed writer Mark Twain, at a glittering ceremony in the U.S. capital later this year, and the comedian is delighted with the news.

He tells Variety, "I am truly honored to receive this distinction. I will now begin cultivating a Mark Twain-esque moustache in anticipation of the event."

Ferrell follows in the footsteps of another former Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member in receiving the honor - Tina Fey was handed the prize in 2010.

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