Pacino accepted the first Los Angeles-Italia award from his good friend Larry King. The honor is for Pacino's long and successful career in show business.
"It's a lifetime achievement thing," he said. "A legend, OK I accept, I've been around long enough to accept that," he said.
Pacino's signature roles include a couple of classics: "The Godfather" and "Scarface."
"It's interesting to come and there's no film opening, it's just a festival that I have films in, and so I guess that's a little different, it's a little more tempered," he said.
While Pacino didn't put his modesty aside, former co-star Paul Dooley had no problem tooting the actor's horn for him.
"He's one of America's greatest actors," said Dooley. "Like De Niro in that if there's a movie around they're going to want them, especially if it's their type of movie."
Pacino rarely walks a red carpet, but he appeared in part to honor his Italian heritage. He even said goodbye, Al Pacino style.
"Arrivederci, ciao, see you later!" he said in his best Italian accent.
Los Angeles-Italia will honor Quentin Tarantino on Tuesday. If you'd like to attend the festival, there will be movie showings free of charge all day and all night through Feb. 23 at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
