The Comedy film icon Jerry Lewis was given standing ovation when he received the Kodak Theatre stage to accept a special Oscar for his longtime charitable endeavors.
He was never nominated before, and now he has received the Oscar honor with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Lewis said he was deeply touched by the honor. "For most of my life, I've thought that doing good for someone didn't mean you would receive any commendation for an act of kindness -- until now," said Lewis spoke slow but had a strong voice in spite of is health problems in recent years. "This award touches me in the very depths of my soul."
Eddie Murphy presented the honorary Oscar to Lewis, whom he dubbed a "famous overgrown kid" who has drawn inspiration from children.
"To all of you in the movie business, it's such a joy to be a part of you and all that you do," said Lewis, who made his screen debut in 1949, appearing with nightclub-act partner Dean Martin in the romantic comedy "My Friend Irma."
Lewis had driven equal applause for his televised charity marathons on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. The annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon has raised more than $2 billion since 1966.
Lewis and Martin starred in 16 films, and the pair eventually followed solo career paths. Lewis gained prominence as a comedy star, director and producer with film credits including "The Bellboy," "The Nutty Professor," "The Disorderly Orderly" and Martin Scorsese's "The King of Comedy."
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