If you're one of the millions, nay billions, who's laughed at the antics of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer or if you can't pick up an order of kung pao shrimp without wondering if they shorted you on the number of shrimp, then you -- my friend -- are a Larry David fan. The brain behind Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, David has a unique comic view of the world and on February 20, the Writers Guild of America is giving Larry David a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The actual award is called the Paddy Chayevsky Laurel award for television, and Larry has most definitely earned the recognition. Seinfeld remains a masterpiece of character and comedy with or without a plot. The very nothingness of Seinfeld made it historic television. It was a show that NBC nearly canceled because the suits didn't get it (what a shock!), then went on to become America's favorite half-hour. Twenty years later, Seinfeld is embedded in the psyche of pop culture. Not bad for a nothing kind of show.

If he had only done Seinfeld, David might have earned this prize, but he's done more. HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm pushed comedy to the edge by exaggerating reality in the twisted, funny way that only Larry seems to do. His scripts are like puzzle pieces, and you don't get the whole picture till the final scene plays. And then you can't stop laughing at the absurdity of it all.

This WGA plaudit is named for Paddy Chayevsky, and other scribes who've received it include Steven Bochco, Susan Harris and Stephen J. Cannell. To me, Larry David is the best of the bunch.

You know, Larry is being honored for his writing, but he's also a very good actor. If you haven't seen it, rent the DVD of Woody Allen's last picture, Whatever Works. Larry plays the lead role of Boris, a sort of Larry David kind of character, and he's wonderful in the film. Take a look at the trailer and you'll see what I mean.