(Cover) - EN Movies - Joel and Ethan Coen have been awarded a $1 million prize for their work.

The Coen brothers were honoured by Tel Aviv University in Israel with the Dan David Prize, an accolade given to people who have made "an outstanding contribution to humanity" in areas including science and arts.

The Oscar-winning filmmakers mother lived in British Mandate Palestine before Israel was established in 1948 and had always urged her sons to visit the area. Joel revealed he was thrilled to finally take the trip to Israel and felt overwhelmed to have been recognised for their movie success.

"Our mother tried to get us to come here for many, many years," he said. "But, you know, life intervenes - we've been busy."

The university paid tribute to the American-born Coen brothers for their "original and creative partnership, unique in the history of filmmaking".

The awards were established by businessman and philanthropist Dan David in 2002 and hand out accolades in past, present and future categories. The Coens were recognised in the present category - previous recipients of the award include politicians Al Gore and Tony Blair. (C) Cover Media