The acclaimed filmmaker, whose rsum is stacked with such celluloid classics as Dog Day Afternoon, 12 Angry Men, Serpico, Network and The Verdict, has been tapped by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to receive an honorary Academy Award at the Oscar ceremony in Feburary.

The 80-year-old director was selected to receive the hardware for "brilliant services to screenwriters, performers and the art of the motion picture."

According to Academy president Frank Pierson, Lumet's status as "one of the most important film directors in the history of American cinema" was what let to his selection.

"His work has left an indelible mark on both audiences and the history of film itself," Pierson said in a statement. "It was a great personal pleasure and professional honor to call Sidney to tell him he'd won his profession's highest honor."

Lumet has helmed more than 40 films, chalking up several Academy Award nominations but no wins.

The Philadelphia native got his show-biz start as an actor, making his stage debut at the ripe age of four. As an adult, he moved behind the camera and started directing in television. He then segued into feature films in 1957 with 12 Angry Men, which earned him a Best Director Oscar nod.

He received three other directing nominations for Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976) and The Verdict (1982) and picked up a Best Adapted Screenplay nod in for 1981's Prince of the City.

Lumet's credits also include Running on Empty, The Wiz, Equus, Murder on the Orient Express, Fail-Safe, The Pawnbroker and Long Day's Journey into Night.

Lumet will receive the trophy during the Feb. 27 Oscarcast airing live on ABC from the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by Chris Rock. Nominations for the 77th annual Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 25.