Veteran funnyman Bill Cosby is set to receive the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at the upcoming 2014 American Comedy Awards.

The 76-year-old comedian will be feted for his outstanding work over the past 50 years during a ceremony on 26 April (14) in New York City.

The prize, named after iconic U.S. talk show host Johnny Carson, is given to "an individual who, over the course of their lifetime, has made an extraordinary contribution to comedy".

The honour was first awarded to Late Show host David Letterman in 2011, and Don Rickles in 2012.

The American Comedy Awards will air in America on 8 May (14).