Samuel L Jackson, the king of the box office, has been awarded an honorary Oscar.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AFP) – Samuel L Jackson’s films have generated more money at the box office than any other actor’s, yet he had never won an Oscar until Friday, when the Academy presented him with an honorary trophy.

The 73-year-old, who has worked with Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino and has been in blockbusters ranging from Marvel to Star Wars, has only had one Oscar nomination before for “Pulp Fiction.”

At a star-studded Governors Awards dinner in Hollywood, Jackson was honoured with a trophy commemorating lifetime accomplishment, only two days before the main Academy Awards, in which last year’s films and contenders will compete.

Denzel Washington, who presented Jackson with the honour, stated, “152 movie titles, $27 billion in box office, more than any other actor in history.”

In the Dolby Ballroom, Jackson took the stage alongside Tarantino to reflect on his career, which includes the original “Jurassic Park” and the action sequel “Die Hard with a Vengeance.”