Julia Roberts 'wins career prize'

Julia Roberts gave birth to her third child last month

US actress Julia Roberts has been named the winner of the 2007 American Cinematheque award, which honours career achievements, reports say.

The Academy Award winning-star was chosen unanimously by the non-profit organisation's selection committee, Variety magazine reported.

She will collect the prize at a ceremony in Beverly Hills in October.

The 40-year-old, who won an Oscar for Erin Brockovich, presented last year's winner, George Clooney, with his award.

Actors, directors and writers have been honoured at the ceremony every year since its inception in 1986.

American Cinematheque uses the event to raise money to help support aspiring film-makers.

Previous honorees include Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Roberts has been one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood since her 1988 breakthrough in Mystic Pizza.

Her other screen credits include Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman.

She will be seen in Afghanistan war drama Charlie Wilson's War alongside Tom Hanks later this year.