Director Sidney Lumet will receive an Honorary Academy Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday.

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Academy President Frank Pierson made the announcement.

"Lumet is one of the most important film directors in the history of American cinema," said Pierson, "and his work has left an indelible mark on both audiences and the history of film itself."

Lumet made his feature film debut in 1957 with "12 Angry Men," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for directing. He has been nominated three other times for directing -- for "Dog Day Afternoon" in 1975, "Network" in 1976 and "The Verdict" in 1982. He was also nominated for best adapted screenplay, with Jay Presson Allen, for "Prince of the City" in 1981.

His other credits include "Murder on the Orient Express,""Serpico,""Fail-Safe,""The Pawnbroker" and "Long Day's Journey into Night."

Lumet will receive the Honorary Oscar when the 77th Academy Awards are presented at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 27, 2005, in ceremonies to be televised live by ABC.