The former CEO of Focus Features who was until recently tipped to take over as head of Film4 will collect the 18th annual Outfest Achievement Award. 

The producer of Brokeback Mountain and The Ice Storm, whose writing credits include the latter as well as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Lust, Caution, will collect the body’s highest honour on July 10.

It comes in recognition of “a body of work that has made a significant contribution to LGBT film and media.”

Schamus will receive the award prior to the Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala screening of Life Partners.

“The scope and the depth of James’ work as a writer, producer and studio head, has had a tremendous impact on the LGBT community,” said Outfest executive director Kirsten Schaffer.

“He has shepherded stories and storytellers who have defined the LGBT experience for three decades – from the new queer cinema films of Tom Kalin and Todd Haynes to the boundary-pushing Pariah and from the historical insight of Milk to, of course, the iconic Brokeback Mountain.”

Previous recipients include Kimberly Peirce, John Waters, Jane Lynch, Bill Condon, Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, Ian McKellen, John Schlesinger and Strand Releasing.

The LGBT festival will run from July 10-20.