Sidney Lumetwill receive an Honorary Oscar at the 77th Academy Awards on Feb 27 inrecognition of his "brilliant services to screenwriters, performers and the artof the motion picture."

"Lumet is one ofthe most important film directors in the history of American cinema and hiswork has left an indelible mark on both audiences and the history of filmitself," Academy president frank Pierson said in a statement.

"It was great personal pleasure and professional honour tocall Sidney to tell him he's won his profession's highest honour."

Lumet earned a best director Oscar nomination in 1958 forhis directorial debut 12 Angry Men, and went on to receive three more for DogDay Afternoon, The Network and TheVerdict. He also shared a best adaptedscreenplay nomination with Jay Presson Allen for Prince Of The City.

His othercredits include Serpico, Murder On The Orient Express, Long Day's JourneyInto Night, Running On Empty and The Pawnbroker.