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As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences prepares to announce the recipients of the upcoming Governors Awards in a few months, anticipation builds around who might be honored. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to cinema, encompassing Honorary Oscars, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award.
In previous years, the awards have celebrated remarkable figures such as David Lynch, Lina Wertmüller, Wes Studi, Elaine May, Danny Glover, and Peter Weir. However, the last couple of years have felt somewhat underwhelming, as some honorees had already received accolades for their work, including Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones.
With this context, here are ten compelling suggestions for the Academy’s next round of Governors Awards:
John Waters
Acknowledging Waters with an honorary award might seem unconventional, yet his impact on the film industry is undeniable. He was a pioneer of unconventional cinema in the 1960s and 1970s alongside his frequent collaborator Divine, producing iconic works like Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble. Later, his films Hairspray and Serial Mom achieved broader appeal. Beyond filmmaking, Waters is an author, actor, photographer, and a prominent supporter of independent cinema.
Isabelle Huppert
Considered one of the finest acting talents of her era, Huppert has captivated audiences since 1972 with her powerful performances. Before securing her first Oscar nomination for Elle in 2016, she accumulated a record 16 César Award nominations, winning twice. Her accolades also include two Best Actress awards from Cannes for her roles in Violette Nozière and The Piano Teacher.
James Hong
With a career spanning nearly 70 years, Hong’s experience is unmatched. He made his film debut in Soldier of Fortune in 1955 and has since appeared in over 140 films, including classics like Blade Runner and Everything Everywhere All at Once. At 96 years old, he continues to actively participate in the industry.
Steve Buscemi, Denis Leary, Jon Stewart
This trio deserves consideration for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award due to their extensive support for firefighters and first responders. Buscemi, who once served as an FDNY firefighter, returned to duty post-9/11 to assist at Ground Zero. Leary’s foundation benefits fire departments and families of those lost on 9/11, while Stewart has been a vocal advocate for first responders’ health issues and support for military personnel.
Jerry Bruckheimer
Bruckheimer’s impressive production credits have generated over $14 billion at the box office since the 1970s. His involvement in successful franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun reflects his ability to create engaging storytelling. Moreover, his influence extends to television and gaming, making him a deserving candidate for the Thalberg Award.
Werner Herzog
A seminal figure in New German Cinema, Herzog has been captivating audiences with his films for over six decades. With a diverse portfolio that includes acclaimed narrative and documentary features, he is also recognized for his contributions as an actor and filmmaker in various other genres.
Yuen Woo-ping
A master of action choreography, Yuen is known for crafting memorable fight sequences in films like The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In addition to his accolades as a choreographer, he has directed numerous films since the mid-1970s, further establishing his legacy in cinema.
Alfre Woodard
Woodard stands out as one of the most prolific actresses in the industry, boasting over 70 films and 50 television appearances since her debut in 1978. Despite her extensive career and numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and four Emmys, her sole Oscar nomination came for Cross Creek, making this a notable oversight by the Academy.
Agnieszka Holland
A distinguished figure in Polish cinema, Holland has directed over 20 feature films since her early projects in the 1970s. Renowned for her Holocaust drama, Europa Europa, she has received three International Feature submissions, establishing her as a prominent storyteller on the global stage.
Jafar Panahi
A notable Iranian filmmaker, Panahi gained recognition with The White Balloon in 1995. His artistic contributions persisted despite a 20-year house arrest imposed by authorities for his dissent. His resilience is reflected in his continued filmmaking within the constraints of his situation, making a posthumous honor a significant recognition of his artistic journey.
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