Mel Gibson to receive Hollywood Director Award

If you can overlook his recent personal troubles, he's still quite a looker. (AP)

Mel Gibson, in the heat of the movie awards season with his upcoming "Hacksaw Ridge," will receive the Hollywood Director Award at the 20th annual Hollywood Film Awards, set for November 6 at the Beverly Hilton. Lionsgate’s "Hacksaw Ridge," Gibson’s first directorial effort in 10 years, hits theaters two days before the ceremony.

Gibson won the Best Director Oscar in 1996 for "Braveheart" and has seen critical acclaim for "Hacksaw Ridge," the tale of Army medic Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served during the Battle of Okinawa and ended up winning the Medal of Honor despite not firing a shot. Andrew Garfield stars along with Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington and Sam Neill. The film opened to raves at the Venice Film Festival with a 10-minute standing ovation following the films premiere — and it has the reviews to match.

The Hollywood Film Awards are already set to honor key awards-season players including Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Nicole Kidman and Tom Ford, with more names coming. James Corden hosts the show and Eddie Murphy will receive the marquee Hollywood Career Achievement Award.