Hong Kong’s renowned singer and actor Andy Lau will be presented the Special Tribute Award at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), organisers have announced.

“Lau is one of Hong Kong’s most popular entertainers, with a career spanning more than four decades and over 160 films in his filmography. He has received recognition from critics for his work in both television and film,” TIFF wrote in a press release.

Some of Lau’s biggest box office hits include Ann Hui’s 'Boat People' in 1982, Wong Kar-wai’s 'As Tears Go By', Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s 'Infernal Affairs' trilogy, as well as 'Needing You', which he starred alongside Cantopop diva Sammi Cheng.

“An industry icon and multi-faceted artist with an impressive filmography, Lau has paved the way for a generation of performers,” TIFF's CEO, Cameron Bailey, said.

Lau is set to receive the award in Toronto on September 15, which will coincide with the world premiere of his latest film, ‘The Movie Emperor’.

Culture minister Kevin Yeung congratulated Lau, saying he’s made "great contributions to Hong Kong films and music".

"Apart from showcasing Hong Kong's cultural soft power, Lau, who demonstrates a responsible and professional work attitude, is also a role model for young people," he said in a statement.

The cultural chief said Hong Kong filmmakers have won a number of international awards in recent years, and the SAR government is committed to providing more support for the movie industry.