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MILAN -- The 3-D versions of "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" are to preem at the 66th Venice Film Festival in September.

The premieres are to mark the fest's historic lifetime award to John Lasseter and the Pixar directors that was announced in January.

Both 3-D versions will unspool on September 6 with the Golden Lion award ceremony at the Palazzo del Cinema at Venice Lido sandwiched between them.

In a statement the fest organizers said for "first time in the history of the Venice Film Festival, the award will honor not only the achievement of a single filmmaker but also the contribution of the directors of a visionary studio."

Lasseter, who is chief creative officer of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios, will travel to the Lido accompanied by helmers and fellow award winners, Brad Bird ("Ratatouille"), Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc."), Lee Unkrich ("Finding Nemo") and Andrew Stanton ("Finding Nemo" and "Wall-E").

The Venice fest, which is directed by Marco Muller, will run Sept. 2-12.