The master of macabre Tim Burton has been honoured with a Golden Lion lifetime acheivement award at Venice Film Festival.The director, who at the age of 49 is the youngest ever recipient of the lifetime award, was described by the festivals organiser as 'one of American's bravest, most visionary and innovative film-makers.' Burton has produced some of the most memorable cinema including Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, Sleepy Hollow and most recently Corpse Bride.His partnership with Johnny Depp is often described as the strongest celebrity marriage and Depp was on presentation duties at the festival.The popular actor said of Burton: "It's a very big honour to present Tim with this award. He is my favourite director and a very close friend."The pair will reunite in January when Birton's latest film Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is released with Depp in the leading role.The film is an adaptation of of the Stephen Sondheim musical.

Helen Earnshaw

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