Clinton's 'counterfeit Oscar'

Clinton received his "Oscar" at a Paramount Studios party

Academy Award organisers have moved to distance themselves from an honorary "Oscar" presented to US President Bill Clinton.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it did not provide the "counterfeit" statuette, presented to Mr Clinton at a Paramount Studios party.

The organisation, which is behind the annual Hollywood movie awards, called itself "resolutely non-political" and said its staff had no idea the award was being presented.

Californian governor Gray Davis gave Mr Clinton the statuette at the party, which followed the Democratic National Convention on Monday.

First lady Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea applaud the president's performance

Referring to the president's farewell speech, Mr Davis said: "I want to give the Clinton family the highest award Hollywood can give for an extraordinary performance - an Oscar for being the best president."

A visibly thrilled Mr Clinton said: "Let me say on behalf of my family we're honoured to have this Oscar."

But Academy president Robert Rehme issued a statement disclaiming any involvement.

"Our understanding is that somone on the Paramount lot gave a fibreglass prop statuette to the governor, who was looking for a light note on which to introduce the president," he said.

"We have full respect for both the presenter and the recipient of the award."

The Academy jealously protects the image of the Oscars, awarded each March.

Rehme added: "The motion picture industry's highest accolade can be awarded only by the artists who make up the academy, and only for accomplishments relating to motion pictures."