BLAKE EDWARDS - BLAKE EDWARDS NAMED AS HONORARY OSCAR RECIPIENT

Legendary film-maker BLAKE EDWARDS will be presented with an honorary OSCAR at next year's (04) glitzy ceremony.

The 81-year-old director - who is married to MARY POPPINS star JULIE ANDREWS - has been singled out for his acclaimed lifetime body of work, which includes hit films BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, 10, the PINK PANTHER series and VICTOR/VICTORIA.

The Oscar citation reads, "In recognition of his writing, directing and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen."

Next year's Oscars will take place at Los Angeles' KODAK THEATER on 29 February (04).