Actor Peter Fonda to be honoured

Fonda produced and starred in 1969 motorbike movie Easy Rider

Actor Peter Fonda will receive the first Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana Award, to honour his contribution to film and his ties to Montana.

Fonda starred in 1969 film Easy Rider and is a resident of the US state.

Fonda said he was honoured to receive an award named after 1950s star Gary Cooper, whom he knew through his actor father, Henry Fonda.

"He was a great Westerner - his bearing, everything about him," Fonda said of Cooper.

Oscar nomination

"When I found out he was from Montana, I thought, 'Well, that's why'."

Fonda, 65, was nominated for an Oscar for his leading role in 1997 movie Ulee's Gold.

The brother of actress Jane Fonda, Peter Fonda's daughter Bridget has starred in films such as Jackie Brown and Scandal.

He will receive the award from actor and fellow Montana resident Jeff Bridges during the Hatch Audiovisual Arts Festival, taking place in Bozeman, Montana, from 9-12 September.