Veteran TV director James Burrows will receive Banff’s Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award.

Burrows was co-creator, EP and director of long-running hit sitcom Cheers, and worked on several other top series, including Will & Grace, Frasier, Friends, Wings, Night Court and Taxi. Currently, Burrows is working on the CBS show Mike and Molly, but he also directed pilots for four shows currently in primetime: Better With You, Mike and Molly, $#*! My Dad Says and Big Bang Theory.

Past Peter Ustinov honorees include John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammar, Rick Mercer, and 2010 winner Ricky Gervais.

“James Burrows is a giant in the industry, and we are honored to welcome him to BANFF 2011,” said Ferne Cohen, executive director of the Festival. “For decades, Mr. Burrows has quite literally shaped popular culture on television, and has been an inspiration and role model for countless emerging and established talents in the business.”

Burrows will also lend his expertise to a special master class during the Festival.