Actor Jackie Chan arrives with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs at the 8th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, November 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"He is an artist, I mean the passion which he does his jobs. He is so creative, he always has a smile on his face, he is a great role model, he is a legend, he is an icon," he said.

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.

This award could date back to 1929 when the Academy honored Warner Bros. and Charlie Chaplin. Since 2009, the Honorary Award has been presented at the annual Governors Awards rather than at the Academy Awards.