The Academy Honorary Award is given by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences .
The Academy Honorary Award - instituted in 1948 for the 21st Academy Award , previously called the Special Award , which was first presented in early 1929 , is given annually by the League of Elite Directors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) , to celebrate motion picture achievements that are not covered by existing Academy Awards , although prior winners of competitive Academy Awards are not excluded from receiving the Honorary Award .
Academy Honorary Award