Lewis to get humanitarian Oscar

Veteran comedian Lewis is known as "Le Roi du Crazy" in France

Comedian Jerry Lewis will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards ceremony on 22 February.

The 82-year-old Nutty Professor star has raised over $2 billion (£1.3bn) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual Labor Day telethon.

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

Other notable recipients include Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn and Bob Hope.

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 - famous for his on-screen partnership with singer Dean Martin - has "helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy".

Ineligible

In other Oscar news, the Academy's music committee has reversed an earlier decision that would have made The Dark Knight's score ineligible for an award.

The committee originally rejected it in November because studio Warner Brothers submitted too many names as musical contributors.

Having been assured Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard were the only composers behind the score, however, it has decided to admit the entry after all.

Seven-time nominee Zimmer won an Oscar in 1995 for his Lion King score - one more than his collaborator, who has yet to receive an Oscar despite seven nominations.

Last year's award went to Italian composer Dario Marianelli for his work on Atonement.