The 72-year-old director's work includes "Vera Drake," "Secrets and Lies," "All or Nothing" and, most recently, "Mr Turner," said The Hollywood Reporter.
The festival will also screen a retrospective of Leigh's work.
The filmmaker will receive his award at a ceremony on October 3 and will also deliver a public masterclass at the festival.
Leigh, who has been nominated for 7 Oscars, for directing and writing, and has won numerous BAFTAs for his work, will join the likes of Stephen Frears, Oliver Stone, Michael Haneke and Claire Denis who have previously received the Golden Eye trophy.