LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Academy Awards have announced that Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks will be awarded Honorary Oscars at the 2023 Governor Awards on November 18. Film editor Carol Littleton is named too in the same category. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was announced on Monday, June 26.
Meanwhile, Michelle Satter, the founding director of Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program, has been picked for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The previous winner in this category includes Danny Glover, Tyler Perry, Michael J Fox, and Geena Davis. "The Academy's Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans," said Academy President Janet Yang in a press statement. She added, "Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment.”
'Exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences'
Yang also talked about Littleton’s contributions to the cinema, "Carol Littleton's career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. Before highlighting Satter’s role, “A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world," as per People.
Honorary Oscar recipients are selected through a voting process by the Academy's Board of Governors. They're "given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy."
'Contributions of the three Honorary Oscars recipients'
Bassett, who is a two-time Oscar-nominated actress, was first selected for best actress for ‘What's Love Got to Do with It’ in 1993, and best-supporting actress for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ in 2022. On the other hand, Brooks got his Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for 'Young Frankenstein' in 1974 and another nomination for Best Original Song for writing the title track for ‘Blazing Saddles’ the same year. He bagged Best Original Screenplay in 1969 for ‘The Producers’ Littleton got the best editing nomination for 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' in 1982.
