Sidney Poitier to receive honorary Oscar

Sidney Poitier is to be given an honorary Oscar.

Tom Hanks was among the governors who nominated Poitier for the award.

Poitier will receive his award at the 74th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 24.

Hanks is the Actors Branch Governor.

Honorary awards are given by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

They are awarded for "exceptional distinction in the making of motion pictures or for outstanding service to the Academy."

The award is being given to Poitier "for his extraordinary performances and unique presence on the screen, and for representing the motion picture industry with dignity, style and intelligence throughout the world."

He told the others: "When I was a young actor, I worked as a bellboy. I carried Mr Poitier's bags once, and he tipped me five bucks!"