Life award for Toy Story creator

Lasseter (r) was also presented with an award by George Lucas in Venice

Animation pioneer John Lasseter is to receive an award for his life's work from the Producers Guild of America.

The creator and director of Toy Story will become the first animator to receive the David O Selznick honour.

The Guild said the award is to recognise Lasseter's groundbreaking work with Pixar, and called him "a uniquely talented producer".

Lasseter, who continues to oversee animation at Pixar, will collect his award at a ceremony on 24 January.

Venice honour

Toy Story, made in 1995, was the first full-length computer-animated movie to be produced.

Lasseter went on to oversee the production of its sequel Toy Story II, Cars and A Bug's Life.

Up is the current release from the Pixar stable

Four films made by Pixar have gone on to win the Oscar for best animation.

Last month, Lasseter and his team were presented with the lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival.

The 52-year-old said he hoped more animated films would be put forward for best picture at the Academy Awards, a category which is being expanded to 10 nominees.

Pixar began life as a division of LucasFilm. Company director and Star Wars director George Lucas presented Lasseter with his Venice honour.