Tim Burton's Venice honour

Mar 22, 2007, 13:20 GMT

Tim Burton - © David Gabber / Photorazzi

Tim Burton will receive a lifetime achievement award at the 64th Venice International Film Festival this August.

The prestigious Golden Lion Award will pay homage to the American filmmaker - renowned for eccentric films, including 'Edward Scissorhands', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Corpse Bride'.

Festival director, Marco Müller, said: "Tim Burton is a cinematic genius, the most imaginative child of the new age of cinema. He has a unique talent of being able to imbue his fantasies with emotional depth."

Organisers have also declared September 5 'Tim Burton Day' and have promised guests a special "surprise offering" from the 48-year-old filmmaker.

Venice hosted the international premiere of Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' in 1994 and the world premiere of his Oscar-nominated 'Corpse Bride' in 2005.

Previous winners of the honorary Golden Lion Award - which was introduced in 1970 to accompany the Golden Lion best film prize - include Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood and Woody Allen.

(C) BANG Media International