The Chicago Public Library Foundation presented him with the Carl Sandburg Award. In addition to winning a Pulitzer Prize for his film reviews in the Chicago Sun-Times, Ebert has written more than 20 books.
His recent autobiography "Life Itself" is a best-seller. He's also been honored for his popular blog.
Others recognized at the event include David Axelrod, Dennis DeYoung, Jim Lovell and Scott Turow.
