Current:Home > reviewsAngela Bassett, Mel Brooks earn honorary Oscars from film Academy at Governors Awards -Secure Growth Academy
Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks earn honorary Oscars from film Academy at Governors Awards
View
Date:2025-04-27 16:41:26
LOS ANGELES — "Black Panther" actress Angela Bassett, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" film editor Carol Littleton and comedy legend Mel Brooks were bestowed with honorary Oscars at the 14th Governors Awards Tuesday night.
The star-filled gala hosted by Oscar organizers the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also featured the presentation of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (last bestowed to actor and Parkinson's disease advocate Michael J. Fox) to Michelle Satter, the influential founder and longtime director of the Sundance Institute's artist programs.
The untelevised, private dinner event was originally scheduled for Nov. 18, but was pushed into 2024 due to the Hollywood strikes.
The early awards season event featured contenders such as Robert Downey Jr., Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Christopher Nolan, Paul Giamatti, Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper looking on.
Here's what happened in Hollywood's Ray Dolby Ballroom, steps away from the Dolby Theatre where the 96th Academy Awards will take place on March 10.
Mel Brooks promises not to sell this Oscar: 'I swear to God!'
"Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein" director Brooks, 97, was introduced to the stage by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, who starred in the 2001 smash Broadway production of Brooks' musical "The Producers." Broderick referred to Brooks as "a comedic genius and legend beyond compare" adding that in all his work, Brooks "always let humor lead the way."
EGOT winner Brooks had already won a competitive best screenwriter Oscar in 1969 for "The Producers." That was 55 years ago.
"I miss it so much," Brooks joked of the award. "I never should have sold it."
Brooks, who was accompanied at the awards by his author son Max Brooks (from the marriage to his late wife, the actress Anne Bancroft), said he was touched by the honorary award.
"When your peers appreciate your work and they salute you with this golden statue, it means a great deal, it really does," Brooks said. "It's terrific."
"I won't sell this. I swear to God," Brooks added before exiting the stage to laughter.
Angela Bassett gives thanks, promises 'the best is yet to come'
Oscar winner Regina King introduced "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" star Bassett, 65, who was Oscar-nominated for her role as Tina Turner in 1993's "What's Love Got To Do with It" and for 2023's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
"With all of that experience, why aren't you running for president," King said of Bassett's movie and TV resume of more than 100 roles. "Angela has lived a career for the ages and I swear she is ageless."
With husband and actor Courtney B. Vance standing in the audience filming with his iPhone, Bassett accepted the honor with an inspirational speech that paid respect to Black actresses in the past, and those to come.
"I thought long and hard about what I'd say tonight," said Bassett. "This is not just another award. It's a testament to my legacy. This trophy represents my contributions to this medium of film, all that I've given with my mind, body and spirit as an actress, and, yes, a Black woman."
Bassett quoted poet Maya Angelou in saying, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
The "Waiting to Exhale" star told the crowd that it was a "profound honor to have been able to make you see and feel" during the journey of her career.
"Still I say," Bassett added smiling. "The best is yet to come."
Carol Littleton thanks late husband, cinematographer John Bailey
Littleton is the wife of the late cinematographer and former Academy president John Bailey, who died in November at age 81. The two worked together on director Lawrence Kasdan's 1983 drama "The Big Chill." Littleton received her only Oscar nomination for Steven Spielberg's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial."
"I accept this beautiful Oscar as a highlight of my life in film. I accept this for all editors who toil in the darkness of an editing room," said Littleton, before speaking of her late husband. "Most of all, I want to thank John. My dear John."
Michelle Satter dedicates award to her murdered son Michael Latt
Directors Ryan Coogler and Chloé Zhao, who credited much of their film success to the Sundance mentor labs, presented Satter with her humanitarian award. "We’ve got to talk about somebody who we love a lot, and we’ve got to talk with a broken heart," Coogler said.
Satter's son Michael Latt, a high-profile entertainment marketing consultant who had worked with Coogler, was shot and killed inside his Los Angeles home in November.
“Michelle you’ve changed our lives, but I do believe Michael was your greatest gift to the world,” Coogler said.
At the end of her speech, Satter tearfully acknowledged the loss of her son due to the "tragic act of violence."
"Tonight, I share this honor with Michael," said Satter.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Will King Charles abdicate the throne? When 'hell freezes over,' experts say
- Denzel Washington to reunite with Spike Lee on A24 thriller 'High and Low'
- US water polo star prepares for Paris Olympics as husband battles lung cancer
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Maisie Williams Details Intense 25-Pound Weight Loss For Dramatic New Role
- Rare centuries-old gold coin from Netherlands found by metal detectorist in Poland
- Drivers using Apple Vision Pro headsets prompt road safety concerns
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Biden hosting Germany’s Scholz as Europe grows anxious about Ukraine funding impasse in Washington
Ranking
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- ‘Whistling sound’ heard on previous Boeing Max 9 flight before door plug blowout, lawsuit alleges
- Tom Brady says he was 'surprised' Bill Belichick wasn't hired for head coaching job
- What if the government abolished your 401(k)? Economists say accounts aren't worth it
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Usher to discuss upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
- Sam Darnold finally found his place – as backup QB with key role in 49ers' Super Bowl run
- Wisconsin Elections Commission votes to tell clerks to accept partial addresses on absentee ballots
Recommendation
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
New Hampshire Senate votes to move state primary from September to June. The House wants August
Kentucky Senate committee advances bill limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
Get Glowy, Fresh Skin With Skin Gym’s and Therabody’s Skincare Deals Including an $9 Jade Roller & More
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Defense requests a mistrial in Jam Master Jay murder case; judge says no but blasts prosecutors
Google is rebranding its Bard AI service as Gemini. Here's what it means.
Boy’s death at therapy program didn’t appear natural, but sheriff says they’re awaiting cause