Oprah Is Getting An Oscar

First Published: August 3, 2011 10:12 AM EDT Credit: WireImage

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Oprah Winfrey looks out from the set during the first taping of the ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’ at the Sydney Opera House on December 14, 2010 in Sydney, AustraliaOprah Winfrey will need to clear some space in her awards case – she’s getting an Oscar!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Oprah will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Oprah, who was previously nominated for (category?) for her role in “The Color Purple” in 1985, is being given the honorary award for her philanthropic and humanitarian work.

The Hersholt is awarded to an individual for their “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding,” the Academy said in a press release.

The Academy singled out the media mogul’s work with Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls as examples of her tremendous contributions to others and the field of entertainment.

Actor James Earl Jones and makeup artist Dick Smith will also receive honorary Oscars for their careers.

All three will be awarded their statuettes on November 12 at the annual Governors Awards dinner in Los Angeles.

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