SYRACUSE -- Syracuse University is recognizing author Joyce Carol Oates and actor Frank Langella with its highest alumni award. The awards will be presented Oct. 2.

Oates, a native of Lockport, Niagara County, is one of America's most prolific and versatile writers. She has written novels, short stories, poetry, plays, essays and book reviews, as well as nonfiction works. She teaches at Princeton.

Langella is among America's most honored stage and film actors. Last year, his portrayal of former President Richard Nixon in the film "Frost/Nixon" earned an Academy Award nomination.

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