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The actor - whose career has spanned 40 years - won two Oscars, for his supporting role in "The Godfather: Part II," and his lead role in "Raging Bull," and went on to receive five additional Oscar nods, including one for this year's "Silver Linings Playbook."

Joining the famed Italian-American actor for the honor were his wife, Grace Hightower, as well as actor Billy Crystal, who co-starred alongside De Niro in the comedy hit "Analyze This," and David O. Russell, who directed "Silver Linings Playbook."