Spike Lee is set to receive an honorary Oscar award for his contributions to film-making.

Lee joins fellow honoree Gena Rowlands, known for her 1960s, 1970s and 1980s films.

The award comes 25 years after Lee's "Do The Right Thing" was snubbed by the Academy, a film that made Lee one of the world's top up-and-coming directors.

"The board is proud to recognize our honorees' remarkable contributions," said academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs in a statement.

"We'll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished - with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference - will also enrich future generations."

Lee will receive his statuette at the Academy's Annual Governors Awards on November 14 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, California.