Scorsese's documentaries have mainly focused on music

The Taxi Driver director, who has famously never won an Oscar, will be honoured at the Silverdocs festival for his non-fiction films.

They include his BBC series on Bob Dylan, No Direction Home, and the seven-part musical history Martin Scorsese Presents: The Blues.

Festival organisers said Scorsese's work shows "a deep appreciation for American cultural history".

His stories about great musical artists really help us understand our American musical culture Patricia Finneran, director of the Silverdocs Festival

"It's about telling America's story, but it's also about telling a story with artistry," said festival director Patricia Finneran.

"I think his stories about great musical artists really help us understand our American musical culture and national consensus."

Scorsese will discuss his work with director Jim Jarmusch at the festival, to be held in the Washington suburb of Maryland this June.

Silverdocs has been running for four years, benefiting from an explosion in documentary film-making.

This year it will feature 100 films, including 25 world or US premieres.