Movie mogul George Lucas will receive the U.S. government's highest arts honour from President Barack Obama later this month (Jul13).

The Star Wars creator will be presented with the National Medal of Arts at the White House on 12 July (13).

A statement from the President's office reads, “By combining the art of storytelling with boundless imagination and cutting-edge techniques, Mr. Lucas has transported us to new worlds and created some of the most beloved and iconic films of all time."

Other luminaries to be honoured at the same ceremony include record label boss Herb Alpert, playwright Tony Kushner and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Elaine May.

Previous recipients include Meryl Streep, James Taylor, Quincy Jones, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood and Bob Dylan.