London, Dec 12 : Veteran comedian Jerry Lewis will be honoured with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards ceremony on February 22.

The Hersholt Award recognises humanitarian efforts which bring credit to the film industry - and was last given to producer Sherry Lansing in 2007.

Through his annual Labor Day telethon, the 82-year-old `Nutty Professor' star has raised over 2 billion dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, reports BBC.

Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, described Lewis as "a legendary comedian who has... brought laughter to millions around the world.

In addition, he said, the actor has "helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy".

The award has been given out intermittently at the Oscars since 1956 and previous recipients include Bob Hope, Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. (ANI)