ormer Prime Minister Lady Thatcher (L) is shown in this 1997 file photo combined with a publicity photo of actress Meryl Streep portraying Thatcher in her new film "The Iron Lady" in this combination photo. -Reuters Photo

BERLIN: Meryl Streep is to be honored for her wide-ranging career at this year's Berlin film festival. Festival organizers said Monday that the 62-year-old Streep will be presented with an honorary Golden Bear, the event's top award, on Feb. 14.

Festival director Dieter Kosslick says that ''Meryl Streep is a brilliant, versatile performer who moves with ease between dramatic and comedic roles.''

The two-time Oscar winner will be honored at a screening of her latest movie, ''The Iron Lady,'' in which she plays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The festival also will screen older Streep films, including ''Kramer vs. Kramer'' and ''Sophie's Choice.''

The Berlin event, the first of the year's major European film festivals, takes place Feb. 9-19.