Somto BisinaAngela Bassett, Mel Brooks, Carol Littleton, and Michelle Satter will be receiving honorary Oscars at this year’s Governors Awards, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
These four esteemed individuals will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to the film industry and their lasting impact on the world of cinema.
The prestigious awards ceremony, now in its 14th year, will take place on November 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Janet Yang, the Academy President, expressed her excitement about honouring these trailblazers, stating, “The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honour four individuals who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans.” Yang went on to highlight the remarkable achievements of each honouree.
Angela Bassett, a veteran actor with over four decades of experience in film and television, has captivated audiences with her transcendent performances. She earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the iconic film “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” (1993).
Recently, Bassett made history as the first actor from a Marvel Studios film and the first woman from a superhero movie to receive acting recognition with her nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022).
Throughout her career, Angela Bassett has been associated with films that have made significant impacts, such as “Boyz N the Hood” (1991), which marked John Singleton’s historic nomination as the first Black filmmaker for Best Director, and “Black Panther,” the first superhero movie nominated for Best Picture.
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Her notable film credits also include “Malcolm X” (1992), “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” (1998), “Mission: Impossible — Fallout” (2018), and “Soul” (2020). In addition to her film work, Bassett has been recognized for her outstanding performances on television, earning seven Emmy nominations.
Mel Brooks, a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, has made significant contributions as a director, producer, writer, songwriter, and actor.
His comedic brilliance has left an indelible mark on the Academy’s history. Brooks’ directorial and screenwriting debut, “The Producers” (1967), won him the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, surpassing beloved films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Faces.” The film was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical that set the record for the most Tony wins, with Brooks earning three.
His other notable works include the double-hits of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” in 1974, which garnered him nominations for Original Song and Adapted Screenplay.
At the age of 96, Brooks is one of only 18 individuals to achieve EGOT status by winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. This year, he is also involved in the Emmy discussion as a producer and narrator for his long-awaited sequel, “History of the World, Part II.”
Carol Littleton, a distinguished film editor, has had an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades. She received an Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing for Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982). Her impressive list of credits includes films like “The Big Chill” (1983), “Places in the Heart” (1984), and “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004).
Littleton’s contributions extend beyond her editing work, as she has served on the Academy’s Board of Governors for the Film Editors Branch and held positions as president and vice president of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. She also serves on the Board of Directors of American Cinema Editors.
Michelle Satter, the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, has made significant contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences through her humanitarian efforts. As the founding senior director of the Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs, Satter has dedicated over 40 years to supporting independent storytellers and fostering their careers.
Her work has helped countless filmmakers from under-represented communities gain recognition and achieve success. Satter has also played a pivotal role in the Sundance Institute’s international initiatives, spanning Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. Additionally, she is a founder and oversees Sundance Collab, a global digital storytelling community and learning platform.
The Honorary Award, bestowed upon Bassett, Brooks, and Littleton, aims to recognize extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, presented to Satter, acknowledges individuals in the industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the film industry.
The Governors Awards ceremony, which took place last year, honored Michael J. Fox with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, while Euzhan Palcy, Diane Warren, and Peter Weir received honorary Oscars.
The 96th Oscars, the pinnacle of the film industry’s recognition, will be held on March 10, 2024. It is a celebration of talent, dedication, and the profound impact that these exceptional individuals have had on the world of cinema.
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