When you look back at Bambi and Dumbo - it's a certain kind of popular art

Woody Allen

Born on 5 December, 1901 in Chicago, Walter Elias Disney was to become one of the world's most beloved storytellers.

His Hollywood career spanned 43 years and the influence of Disney is felt today in almost every aspect of showbusiness.

The animator's constant craving for new ideas and fresh ways to bring fairytale magic to the big screen is legendary.

The Academy's Centennial Tribute will honour Disney as an all-round entertainment mogul - from studio founder and theme-park creator to the maker of live-action pictures and ground-breaking animated features.

The occasion has prompted a number of celebrities to offer their own tributes to the film-maker.

"His work was wonderful," said Woody Allen. "I remember being taken by my mother to see Pinocchio. I always liked Disney because there's a warmth in those cartoons."

Mickey Mouse hit the big screen in 1928

However, Allen explained that as an adult, he found Warner Bros cartoon characters more appealing than Disney's lovable heroes. "They were not as funny to me when I grew up as Tom and Jerry or Bugs Bunny because the others were more violent and hostile and consequently funnier.

"The Disney ones were more bathed in goody two-shoes, please everybody mentality."

Mickey Mouse, Disney's most enduring character, was introduced to the world in the film Steamboat Willie - the first ever synchronized sound cartoon, which premiered in New York on 18 November, 1928.

The first full-length animated musical, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, came out nine years later.

A host of endearing characters followed in animated classics such as Bambi, Pinocchio, Fantasia and Dumbo.

Jolie's favourite character is Dumbo

Each was to make its own distinctive mark on successive generations of children.

Angelina Jolie, who supplied the voice to the modern-day video game adventurer Lara Croft, said she had fond memories of one particular character.

"I like Dumbo. Everybody has a certain Disney movie that says something about you - maybe Dumbo was always laughed at for the things that are strange about him and he eventually was proud of that and that's what made him fly."

Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller will be among the participants in the Academy's tribute show.

The three surviving members of Disney's Nine Old Men, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Ward Kimball, will also make a special appearance.

The audience will be treated to rarely seen "behind-the-scenes" footage as well as rare cartoons and home movies.

"They are great examples of American art," said Allen. "When you look back at Bambi and Dumbo - it's a certain kind of popular art."