Heston Blumenthal already has three Michelin stars

Heston Blumenthal and Anthony Minghella will both receive honorary doctorates.

Mr Blumenthal, famous for his snail porridge at his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, is being honoured for a "unique scientific approach to food".

The university is awarding the Isle of Wight's Anthony Minghella for "exceptional creative endeavour".

The director gained Oscars for films The English Patient and Cold Mountain.

Professor Jonathan Bignell, Reading University's head of film, theatre and television, said: "Across the media of theatre, radio, television and film, Anthony continues to be a leading figure in the arts, nationally and internationally."

Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella is a university patron

Mr Minghella is a University of Reading patron and in April directed actors Jude Law and Alan Rickman in a university event to mark the 100th anniversary of the playwright Samuel Beckett.

Professor Donald Mottram, of the university's School of Food Biosciences will give Heston Blumenthal, who has already received an OBE, his degree honour.

"While he has been developing a novel approach to food at his restaurant, the Fat Duck, Heston has had frequent contact with the school of Food Biosciences," Prof Mottram said.