The Queen Oscar-winner will be presented the Career Achievement Award at the festival's award gala on 5 January (10), at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The festival was founded in 1990 by the city's then-Mayor, singer-songwriter Sonny Bono, who turned his career toward politics before his 1998 death.

Event organisers say Mirren will receive the honour "for her large and distinguished body of work," calling Mirren "one of the most outstanding actresses of her generation".

Mirren will join other honourees including Morgan Freeman, who will also receive a Career Achievement Award, Mariah Carey, who will receive a Breakthrough Performance Award for her new film Precious, and Anna Kendrick, who will receive the Rising Star Award.

The 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from 5-18 January (10).