Watchmen director Zack Snyder will receive the ShoWest 2009 Director Of The Year Award in Las Vegas on April 2.

Snyder shot to fame with the 2004 release of his of zombie remake Dawn Of The Dead and followed that up with the global juggernaut 300.

Now all eyes will be on Watchmen, Snyder's adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel from the 1980s that many said could not be filmed.

Warner Bros launches the picture in North America this weekend in concert with a wide day-and-date international release through Paramount Pictures International.

ShoWest co-founder Mitch Neuhauser hailed Snyder's 'unparalleled' dedication to creating groundbreaking cinema.

Snyder is the co-president of Cruel And Unusual Films, formed with his wife and producing partner Deborah Snyder.

In addition to Watchmen, Cruel And Unusual projects include the drama The Last Photograph, fantasy-adventure Sucker Punch, and the animated 3D tale The Guardians Of Ga'Hoole.

Other features in development include The Illustrated Man, zombie title Army Of The Dead and the apocalyptic thriller Cobalt 60.

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