Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis Gets Humanitarian Oscar from Daily Contributor

Legendary comedian Jerry Lewis accepted a humanitarian award during Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony in a presentation that honored both his philanthropy and his acting.

The trophy was presented to the 82-year-old actor by Eddie Murphy, who starred in a remake of one of Lewis’ signature roles, “The Nutty Professor.”

“Thank you so very much,” a visibly moved Lewis said upon receiving the golden statuette.

Lewis is the 33rd recipient of the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award. The academy presents this honor on “an individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

The last time Lewis appeared on the Oscars was 50 years ago, as one of the hosts of the 1959 show.

“For most of my life I thought that doing good for someone didn’t mean you would receive commendation for that act of kindness,” Lewis said. “At least until now.

But before the ceremony, dozens of people with disabilities, many in wheelchairs, protested Lewis being given the honor. Many came from all over the country to join in the protest.

In 1990, Lewis wrote a first-person essay entitled “If I Had Muscular Dystrophy” for Parade magazine, in which he characterized those with muscular dystrophy as “being half a person”.

Many in the disabled community viewed his views as prejudicial, contributing to the idea that people with disabilities are “childlike, helpless, hopeless and noncontributing members of society”.

Jerry Lewis Feels The Oscar Love from hollywoodreporter.com

Comedy film icon Jerry Lewis was greeted with a standing ovation when he took the Kodak Theatre stage to accept a special Oscar for his longtime charitable endeavors.

Never nominated for an Oscar, the prolific multihyphenate was honored 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, who has battled health problems in recent years and spoke in slow but strong voice. "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."

In more recent decades, Lewis drew equal acclaim 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."

The Academy's selection of Lewis to receive this year's humanitarian award has drawn criticism. Some cited his use of the slur "fag" on his 2007 telethon, and during an interview in October on Australian TV, he referred to cricket as "a fag game." Some in the disabled community also objected to the honor going to Lewis, claiming that he has perpetuated negative stereotypes involving people with disabilities.

Academy exec director Bruce Davis defended the Academy's decision against such Internet-based protests, saying Lewis "has shouldered the back-breaking job of organizing, and then leading, an unparalleled three-day fundraising effort on behalf of muscular dystrophy sufferers."