Van Morrison will be honoured
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Veteran singer and songwriter Van Morrison is about to receive an alternative Oscar.
The Belfast born star will be honoured with an Oscar Wilde award at the Wiltshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles for his contributions to cinema.
His songs have formed the back drop to nearly 50 films, from Martin Scorsese's The Departed to Thelma and Louise.
Some of the biggest names in the American and European film worlds will be present at Thursday's ceremony.
Actor Al Pacino will present the award, Helen Mirren plans to attend and controversial film maker Michael Moore is to make a speech.
The event is the second annual Oscar Wilde: Honouring Irish Writing in Film event.
It is hosted by the US-Ireland Alliance, a non-profit organisation created to foster ties between the film industries in America and Ireland.
Born in Belfast on 31 August 1945, Van Morrison has penned such enduring hits as Brown-Eyed Girl, Gloria and Precious Time.
Hotel Rwanda director Terry George will receive an award
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He is also expected to perform at the ceremony and each guest will receive a copy of Van Morrison at the Movies: Soundtrack Hits.
The songs include Gloria from The Outsiders, Wild Night from Thelma and Louise and Brown-Eyed Girl from Born on the Fourth of July.
Hotel Rwanda director Terry George, from Belfast, will also be honoured.
He has twice been Oscar-nominated for his film writing and will be presented his Wilde Award by Michael Moore.
William Monahan, screenwriter on the Irish American mafia film, The Departed, will also be honoured.
Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland Alliance said the event, co-sponsored by the Irish Film Board was about bringing leaders in the Irish film community together with their Hollywood counterparts.
"The buzz created after last year's event has made this year's one of the hottest tickets during Oscars week," she said.
The 79th annual Academy Awards take place on Sunday.
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