Legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis has been voted by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to receive an honorary Oscar at February's Academy Awards, the organization said Wednesday.

Lewis will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is given to an individual in the movie picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry. The actor-filmmaker is being cited for his decades of work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"Jerry is a legendary comedian who has not only brought laughter to millions around the world -- but has also helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy," said Academy President Sid Ganis in a statement.

The entertainer's televised appeals to raise money for the MDA began in the 1950s. He's served as the "No. 1 volunteer" of the annual "Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon" since 1966, which has raised more than $2 billion for the cause.

Lewis, 82, co-starred with the late legendary actor Dean Martin in 16 films together through 1956.

Lewis has starred in more than two dozen films, including “The Bellboy” (1960), “The Nutty Professor” (1963), “The Disorderly Orderly (1964), “The Family Jewels” (1965) and “The King of Comedy” (1983).

The honorary Oscar will be presented to Lewis during the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony Feb. 22 in Los Angeles.