Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is awarded periodically by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) at the Governors Awards ceremonies for an individual 's " outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes " . Prior to 2009 , this award was presented during the main Oscars ceremony . The award category was instituted in 1956 and first awarded at the 29th Academy Awards , in March 1957 . Unlike the Academy Award of Merit , the nomination and voting for this award are restricted to members of the Board of Governors of AMPAS
29th Academy Awards
29th Academy Awards
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award