LOS ANGELES Al Pacino made grand speeches on screen as Michael Corleone and Tony Montana. But when the actor was honored with the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, he was practically speechless. "I need a character," the 67-year-old actor said, overwhelmed with emotion.

"I don't think of myself as being able to do anything." Pacino didn't have to say much, though. A host of Hollywood heavyweights including Oliver Stone, Kirk Douglas, Andy Garcia and Robin Williams did most of the talking when Pacino was presented his award Thursday at the Kodak Theatre.

"The depth of your artistry is only more overwhelmed by the generosity of your spirit and your warmth," said Garcia, who worked with Pacino on "The Godfather: Part III." "You're Van Gogh. That's who you are.

" The three-hour dinner program, set to air June 19 on the USA network, featured clips from Pacino's most famous films, including "The Godfather," "Scarface," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Serpico" and "Scent of a Woman." "Seeing my life in the movies, I have one question," Pacino said. "And that is: Why aren't I in rehab?

" Growing up in New York, Pacino discovered acting at an early age. "By age 3, I was doing Al Jolson," he said. "I found, in the theater, this place I could go to.

The two-time Tony Award winner has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. He won in 1992 for his role as Lt. LOS ANGELES Al Pacino made grand speeches on screen as Michael Corleone and Tony Montana.