Steven Spielberg is to be honoured as a champion of human rights by the US's Anti-Defamation League.

The campaign group will award the filmmaker with America's Democratic Legacy Award at its annual dinner in December.

The 62-year-old director follows the likes of presidents Ronald Reagan and John F Kennedy and writer Saul Bellow in receiving the honour.

On its website, the League pays tribute to Spielberg's film and television projects as well as his private commitments to human rights.

"He has opened people's minds throughout the world, a gift that continues to make a difference every day."

Present at the award ceremony will be guests including American Idol finalist Adam Lambert.