Jim Sheridan is to behonoured with BAFTA/LA's John Schlesinger Britannia Award for ArtisticExcellence at the 2004 Britannia Awards in Beverly Hills on Nov 4.

In a statement BAFTA/LAchairman Gary Dartnall paid tribute to the film-maker for creating "some of themost affecting cinema in history".

Sheridan's work has garneredtwo Academy Awards and 13 nominations including three for last year's acclaimedautobiographical family portrait In America.

Sheridan began his career onstage in his native Ireland where he co-founded Dublin's Project Art Centrebefore moving into film, where his directing credits have included TheField, In The Name Of The Father, TheBoxer and In America.

His 1989 drama My LeftFoot won Daniel Day-Lewis the bestactor Oscar for his portrayal of a man with cerebral palsy and earned BrendaFricker best supporting actress honours.

Last year's John SchlesingerBritannia Award went to director Peter Weir.