Steven Spielberg, the acclaimed two-time Oscar winning director of such films as "Schindler's List", has been awarded the illustrious Patron of Culture for 2004.

According to the Internet Movie database, this honour is bestowed by the city of Krakow, Poland.

Spielberg was recognised for saving the livelihood of a celebrated pharmacy owner who risked his life to protect Jews throughout the Nazi occupation.

Spielberg intervened to help the pharmacy when he heard that it had been converted into a museum and risked closure. After his initial reaction of horror he donated a staggering $40,000 to preserve it.