Angelina Jolie honored with special Oscar for humanitarian efforts

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie was handed an honorary Academy Award for her humanitarian work at a special ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (16Nov13).

The actress fought back tears as she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas during the Governors Awards, which are held by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Upon accepting the golden statuette, the star thanked her partner, Brad Pitt, who was on hand to support the actress with their 12-year-old son Maddox.

She told Pitt from the stage, "My love. Your support and your guidance make everything I do possible".

Jolie also promised her son she would not cry, adding, "I'm not going to cry, I promise... I'm not going to embarrass you. You and your brothers and sisters are my happiness and there is no greater honor in this world than being your mom."

The trophy is Jolie's second Academy Award - she won her first for her performance in 1999 drama Girl, Interrupted.

Steve Martin and Angela Lansbury were also awarded honorary Oscars during the ceremony.