Mel Brooks, whose career in comedy includes writing and directing iconic comedies "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein," will receive the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on June 6.

And if you ask him, it's about time.

SOUNDBITE: Mel Brooks, entertainment, saying (English):

"They're finally recognizing that I'm a pretty good director. They say, 'comedy force, funny, good writer, funny actor. Nobody every, in the press or anywhere, said I was a good director."

In 1974 Brooks' film "Blazing Saddles" about a black sheriff and a drunken gunfighter is ranked number 6 on the AFI'S list of Hollywood's 100 funniest movies.

As Brooks thinks back he doesn't think the same movie would get made today.

SOUNDBITE: Mel Brooks, entertainment, saying (English):

"I don't think you could do that picture today. I don't think they'd allow it, the studios. Unless it was a black cast doing a picture about black people, then it would be allowed."