Nominations & Winners by Category:
Honorary Award
Listed below are the Academy Award nominations and winners in the category of Honorary Award. The symbol appears next to the winner for each year. Click on the name of a company or person in the list to display more information about that company or person. Or, click on a category in the column on the right to display the nominees and winners in that category.
1927-28 (1st)
To Warner Bros. for producing The Jazz Singer, the pioneer outstanding talking picture, which has revolutionized the industry. [Statuette]
To Charles Chaplin for acting, writing, directing and producing The Circus. [Statuette]
1931-32 (5th)
To Walt Disney for the creation of Mickey Mouse. [Statuette]
1934 (7th)
To Shirley Temple, in grateful recognition of her outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during the year 1934. [Miniature Statuette]
1935 (8th)
To David Wark Griffith, for his distinguished creative achievements as director and producer and his invaluable initiative and lasting contributions to the progress of motion picture arts. [Statuette]
1936 (9th)
To March of Time. for its significance to motion pictures and for having revolutionized one of the most important branches of the industry—the newsreel. [Statuette]
To W. Howard Greene and Harold Rosson for the color cinematography of the Selznick International Production, The Garden of Allah. [Plaque]
1937 (10th)
To Mack Sennett “for his lasting contribution to the comedy technique of the screen, the basic principles of which are as important today as when they were first put into practice, the Academy presents a Special Award to that master of fun, discoverer of stars, sympathetic, kindly, understanding comedy genius, Mack Sennett.” [Statuette]
TO Edgar Bergen for his outstanding comedy creation, “Charlie McCarthy.” [Wooden Statuette]
To The Museum of Modern Art Film Library for its significant work in collecting films dating from 1895 to the present and for the first time making available to the public the means of studying the historical and aesthetic development of the motion picture as one of the major arts. [Scroll Certificate]
To W. Howard Greene for the color photography of A Star Is Born. [This Award for the color photography of A Star Is Born was recommended by a committee of leading cinematographers after viewing all the color pictures made during 1937.] [Plaque]
1938 (11th)
To Deanna Durbin and Mickey Rooney for their significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth, and as juvenile players setting a high standard of ability and achievement. [Miniature Statuette]
To Harry M. Warner in recognition of patriotic service in the production of historical short subjects presenting significant episodes in the early struggle of the American people for liberty. [Scroll]
To Walt Disney for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, recognized as a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field for the motion picture cartoon. [Statuette & 7 Miniatures]
To Oliver Marsh and Allen Davey for the color cinematography of the M-G-M production Sweethearts. [Plaque]
For outstanding achievement in creating Special Photographic and Sound Effects in the Paramount production, Spawn of the North. Special Effects by Gordon Jennings, assisted by Jan Domela, Dev Jennings, Irmin Roberts and Art Smith. Transparencies by Farciot Edouart, assisted by Loyal Griggs. Sound Effects by Loren Ryder, assisted by Harry Mills, Louis H. Mesenkop and Walter Oberst. [Plaque]
To J. Arthur Ball for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of color in motion picture photography. [Scroll]
1939 (12th)
To Douglas Fairbanks—recognizing the unique and outstanding contribution of Douglas Fairbanks, first President of the Academy, to the intenational development of the motion picture. [Statuette]
To The Motion Picture Relief Fund—acknowledging the outstanding services to the industry during the past year of the Motion Picture Relief Fund and its progressive leadership. Presented to Jean Hersholt, President; Ralph Morgan, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Ralph Block, First Vice-President; and Conrad Nagel. [Plaque]
To Judy Garland for her outstanding performance as a screen juvenile during the past year. [Miniature Statuette]
To William Cameron Menzies for outstanding achievement in the use of color for the enhancement of dramatic mood in the production of Gone with the Wind. [Plaque]
To The Technicolor Company for its contributions in successfully bringing three-color feature production to the screen. [Statuette]
1940 (13th)
To Bob Hope, in recognition of his unselfish services to the motion picture industry. [Special Silver Plaque]
To Colonel Nathan Levinson for his outstanding service to the industry and the Army during the past nine years, which has made possible the present efficient mobilization of the motion picture industry facilities for the production of Army training films. [Statuette]
1941 (14th)
To Rey Scott for his extraordinary achievement in producing Kukan, the film record of China’s struggle, including its photography with a 16mm camera under the most difficult and dangerous conditions. [Certificate]
To The British Ministry of Information for its vivid and dramatic presentation of the heroism of the RAF in the documentary film Target for Tonight. [Certificate]
To Leopold Stokowski and his associates for their unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music in Walt Disney’s production, Fantasia, thereby widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form. [Certificate]
To Walt Disney, William Garity, John N. A. Hawkins and the RCA Manufacturing Company for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia. [Certificate]
1942 (15th)
To Charles Boyer for his progressive cultural achievement in establishing the French Research Foundation in Los Angeles as a source of reference for the Hollywood motion picture industry. [Certificate]
To Noel Coward for his outstanding production achievement in In Which We Serve. [Certificate]
To Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for its achievement in representing the American way of life in the production of the “Andy Hardy” series of films. [Certificate]
1943 (16th)
To George Pal for the development of novel methods and techniques in the production of short subjects known as Puppetoons. [Plaque]
1944 (17th)
To Margaret O’Brien, outstanding child actress of 1944. [Miniature Statuette]
To Bob Hope for his many services to the Academy. [Life Membership]
1945 (18th)
To Walter Wanger for his six years service as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Special Plaque]
To Peggy Ann Garner, outstanding child actress of 1945. [Miniature Statuette]
To The House I Live In, Frank Ross Productions; RKO Radio., tolerance short subject; produced by Frank Ross and Mervyn LeRoy; directed by Mervyn LeRoy; screenplay by Albert Maltz; song The House I Live In, music by Earl Robinson, lyrics by Lewis Allen; starring Frank Sinatra; released by RKO Radio. [Statuette]
To Republic Studio, Daniel J. Bloomberg, and the Republic Studio Sound Department for the building of an outstanding musical scoring auditorium which provides optimum recording conditions and combines all elements of acoustic and engineering design. [Certificate]
1946 (19th)
To Laurence Olivier for his outstanding achievement as an actor, producer and director in bringing Henry V to the screen. [Statuette]
To Harold Russell for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans through his appearance in The Best Years of Our Lives. [Statuette]
To Ernst Lubitsch for his distinguished contributions to the art of the motion picture. [Scroll]
To Claude Jarman, Jr., outstanding child actor of 1946. [Miniature Statuette]
1947 (20th)
To James Baskett for his able and heart-warming characterization of Uncle Remus, friend and story teller to the children of the world, in Walt Disney’s Song of the South. [Statuette]
To Bill and Coo, Republic., in which artistry and patience blended in a novel and entertaining use of the medium of motion pictures. [Plaque]
To Shoe-Shine, A.L.F.A. Cinematografica; Lopert Films. (Italy) – the high quality of this motion picture, brought to eloquent life in a country scarred by war, is proof to the world that the creative spirit can triumph over adversity. [Statuette]
To Colonel William N. Selig, Albert E. Smith, Thomas Armat, and George K. Spoor (one of) the small group of pioneers whose belief in the new medium, and whose contributions to its development, blazed the trail along which the motion picture has progressed, in their lifetime, from obscurity to world-wide acclaim. [Statuette]
1948 (21st)
To Monsieur Vincent. (France) – voted by the Academy Board of Governors as the most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States during 1948. [Statuette]
To Ivan Jandl for the outstanding juvenile performance of 1948, as “Karel Malik” in The Search. [Miniature Statuette]
To Sid Grauman, master showman, who raised the standard of exhibition of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Adolph Zukor, a man who has been called the father of the feature film in America, for his services to the industry over a period of forty years. [Statuette]
To Walter Wanger for distinguished service to the industry in adding to its moral stature in the world community by his production of the picture Joan of Arc. [Statuette]
To Jean Hersholt, in recognition of his service to the Academy during four terms as president. [The Special Award to Jean Hersholt was presented on “Jean Hersholt Night,” June 26, 1949, at the Academy building.] [Statuette]
1949 (22nd)
To The Bicycle Thief, Vittorio DeSica Productions; Mayer-Burstyn. (Italy) – voted by the Academy Board of Governors as the most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States during 1949. [Statuette]
To Bobby Driscoll, as the outstanding juvenile actor of 1949. [Miniature Statuette]
To Fred Astaire for his unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures. [Statuette]
To Cecil B. DeMille, distinguished motion picture pioneer, for 37 years of brilliant showmanship. [Statuette]
To Jean Hersholt, for distinguished service to the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
1950 (23rd)
To George Murphy for his services in interpreting the film industry to the country at large. [Statuette]
To Louis B. Mayer for distinguished service to the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To The Walls of Malapaga. (Italy, France) – voted by the Board of Governors as the most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States in 1950. [Statuette]
1951 (24th)
To Gene Kelly in appreciation of his versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, and specifically for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film. [Statuette]
To Rashomon, Daiei Production; RKO Radio. (Japan) – voted by the Board of Governors as the most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States during 1951. [Statuette]
1952 (25th)
To George Alfred Mitchell for the design and development of the camera which bears his name and for his continued and dominant presence in the field of cinematography. [Statuette]
To Joseph M. Schenck for long and distinguished service to the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Merian C. Cooper for his many innovations and contributions to the art of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Harold Lloyd, master comedian and good citizen. [Statuette]
To Bob Hope for his contribution to the laughter of the world, his service to the motion picture industry, and his devotion to the American premise. [Statuette]
To Forbidden Games, Silver Films; Times Film Corporation. (France) Best Foreign Language Film first released in the United States during 1952. [Statuette]
1953 (26th)
To Pete Smith for his witty and pungent observations on the American scene in his series of “Pete Smith Specialties.” [Statuette]
To 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation in recognition of their imagination, showmanship and foresight in introducing the revolutionary process known as CinemaScope. [Statuette]
To Joseph I. Breen for his conscientious, open-minded and dignified management of the Motion Picture Production Code. [Statuette]
To the Bell and Howell Company for their pioneering and basic achievements in the advancement of the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
1954 (27th)
To the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company for their contributions to the advancement of the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Kemp R. Niver for the development of the Renovare Process, which has made possible the restoration of the Library of Congress Paper Film Collection. [Statuette]
To Greta Garbo for her unforgettable film performances. [Statuette]
To Danny Kaye for his unique talents, his service to the Academy, the motion picture industry, and to the American people. [Statuette]
To Jon Whiteley for his outstanding juvenile performance in The Little Kidnappers. [Miniature Statuette]
To Vincent Winter for his outstanding juvenile performance in The Little Kidnappers. [Miniature Statuette]
To Gate of Hell, Daiei Production; Edward Harrison. (Japan) Best Foreign Language Film first released in the United States during 1954. [Statuette]
1955 (28th)
To Samurai, the Legend of Musashi. (Japan) Best Foreign Language Film first released in the United States during 1955. [Statuette]
1956 (29th)
To Eddie Cantor for distinguished service to the film industry. [Statuette]
1957 (30th)
To Charles Brackett for outstanding service to the Academy. [Statuette]
To B. B. Kahane for distinguished service to the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Gilbert M. (“Broncho Billy”) Anderson, motion picture pioneer, for his contributions to the development of motion pictures as entertainment. [Statuette]
To the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers for their contributions to the advancement of the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
1958 (31st)
To Maurice Chevalier for his contributions to the world of entertainment for more than half a century. [Statuette]
1959 (32nd)
To Lee De Forest for his pioneering inventions which brought sound to the motion picture. [Statuette]
To Buster Keaton for his unique talents which brought immortal comedies to the screen. [Statuette]
1960 (33rd)
To Gary Cooper for his many memorable screen performances and the international recognition he, as an individual, has gained for the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Stan Laurel for his creative pioneering in the field of cinema comedy. [Statuette]
To Hayley Mills for “Pollyanna”, the most outstanding juvenile performance during 1960. [Miniature Statuette]
1961 (34th)
To William L. Hendricks for his outstanding patriotic service in the conception, writing and production of the Marine Corps. film, A Force in Readiness, which has brought honor to the Academy and the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Fred L. Metzler for his dedication and outstanding service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Statuette]
To Jerome Robbins for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film. [Statuette]
1964 (37th)
To William Tuttle for his outstanding makeup achievement for 7 Faces of Dr. Lao. [Statuette]
1965 (38th)
To Bob Hope for unique and distinguished service to our industry and the Academy. [Gold Medal]
1966 (39th)
To Y. Frank Freeman for unusual and outstanding service to the Academy during his thirty years in Hollywood. [Statuette]
To Yakima Canutt for achievements as a stunt man and for developing safety devices to protect stunt men everywhere. [Statuette]
1967 (40th)
To Arthur Freed for distinguished service to the Academy and the production of six top-rated Awards telecasts. [Statuette]
1968 (41st)
To John Chambers for his outstanding makeup achievement for Planet of the Apes. [Statuette]
To Onna White for her outstanding choreography achievement for Oliver!. [Statuette]
1969 (42nd)
To Cary Grant for his unique mastery of the art of screen acting with the respect and affection of his colleagues. [Statuette]
1970 (43rd)
To Lillian Gish for superlative artistry and for distinguished contribution to the progress of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Orson Welles for superlative artistry and versatility in the creation of motion pictures. [Statuette]
1971 (44th)
To Charles Chaplin for the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century. [Statuette]
1972 (45th)
To Charles S. Boren, leader for 38 years of the industry’s enlightened labor relations and architect of its policy of non-discrimination. With respect and affection of all who work in films. [Statuette]
To Edward G. Robinson who achieved greatness as a player, a patron of the arts and a dedicated citizen . . . in sum, a Renaissance man. From his friends in the industry he loves. [Statuette]
1973 (46th)
To Henri Langlois for his devotion to the art of film, his massive contributions in preserving its past, and his unswerving faith in its future. [Statuette]
To Groucho Marx in recognition of his brilliant creativity and for the unequaled achievements of the Marx Brothers in the art of motion picture comedy. [Statuette]
1974 (47th)
To Howard Hawks—A master American filmmaker whose creative efforts hold a distinguished place in world cinema. [Statuette]
To Jean Renoir—A genius who, with grace, responsibility and enviable devotion through silent film, sound film, feature, documentary and television, has won the world’s admiration. [Statuette]
1975 (48th)
To Mary Pickford in recognition of her unique contributions to the film industry and the development of film as an artistic medium. [Statuette]
1977 (50th)
To Margaret Booth for her exceptional contribution to the art of film editing in the motion picture industry. [Statuette]
To Gordon E. Sawyer in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
To Sidney P. Solow in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1978 (51st)
To Walter Lantz for bringing joy and laughter to every part of the world through his unique animated motion pictures. [Statuette]
To The Museum of Modern Art, Department of Film for the contributions it had made to the public’s perception of movies as an art form. [Statuette]
To Laurence Olivier for the full body of his work, for the unique achievements of his entire career, and for his lifetime of contribution to the art of film. [Statuette]
To King Vidor for his incomparable achievements as a cinematic creator and innovator. [Statuette]
To Linwood G. Dunn, Loren L. Ryder and Waldon O. Watson in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1979 (52nd)
To Alec Guinness for advancing the art of screen acting through a host of memorable and distinguished performances. [Statuette]
To Hal Elias for his dedication and distinguished service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Statuette]
To John O. Aalberg, Charles G. Clarke and John G. Frayne in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1980 (53rd)
To Henry Fonda, the consummate actor, in recognition of his brilliant accomplishments and enduring contribution to the art of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Fred Hynes, in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1981 (54th)
To Barbara Stanwyck, for superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting. [Statuette]
1982 (55th)
To Mickey Rooney, in recognition of his 60 years of versatility in a variety of memorable film performances. [Statuette]
1983 (56th)
To Hal Roach, in recognition of his unparalleled record of distinguished contributions to the motion picture art form. [Statuette]
1984 (57th)
To James Stewart for his fifty years of memorable performances. For his high ideals both on and off the screen. With the respect and affection of his colleagues. [Statuette]
To The National Endowment for the Arts in recognition of its 20th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to fostering artistic and creative activity and excellence in every area of the arts. [Statuette]
1985 (58th)
To Paul Newman in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft. [Statuette]
To Alex North in recognition of his brilliant artistry in the creation of memorable music for a host of distinguished motion pictures. [Statuette]
To John H. Whitney, Sr., for Cinematic Pioneering. [Medal of Commendation]
1986 (59th)
To Ralph Bellamy, for his unique artistry and his distinguished service to the profession of acting. [Statuette]
To E. M. (Al) Lewis, in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1988 (61st)
To The National Film Board of Canada in recognition of its 50th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to originate artistic, creative and technological activity and excellence in every area of filmmaking. [Statuette]
To Eastman Kodak Company in recognition of the company’s fundamental contributions to the art of motion pictures during the first century of film history. [Statuette]
1989 (62nd)
To Akira Kurosawa, for accomplishments that have inspired, delighted, enriched and entertained audiences and influenced filmmakers throughout the world. [Statuette]
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors commends the contributions of the members of the Engineering Committees of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). By establishing industry standards, they have greatly contributed to making film a primary form of international communication. [Special Commendation]
1990 (63rd)
To Sophia Loren, one of the genuine treasures of world cinema who, in a career rich with memorable performances, has added permanent luster to our art form. [Statuette]
To Myrna Loy, in recognition of her extraordinary qualities both on screen and off, with appreciation for a lifetime’s worth of indelible performances. [Statuette]
To Roderick T. Ryan, Don Trumbull, and Geoffrey H. Williamson, in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1991 (64th)
To Satyajit Ray, in recognition of his rare mastery of the art of motion pictures, and of his profound humanitarian outlook, which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world. [Statuette]
To Pete Comandini, Richard T. Dayton, Donald Hagans and Richard T. Ryan of YCM Laboratories for the creation and development of a motion picture film restoration process using liquid gate and registration correction on a contact printer. [Special Plaque]
To Richard J. Stumpf and Joseph Westheimer for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1992 (65th)
To Federico Fellini, in recognition of his place as one of the screen’s master storytellers. [Statuette]
To Petro Vlahos in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
To THE International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees in recognition of the indispensable contributions of its members, who represent the full spectrum of artists, technicians and craftspeople, to the art of motion pictures on the occasion of the one-hundredth anniversary of the Alliance’s founding. [Special Plaque]
1993 (66th)
To Deborah Kerr in appreciation for a full career’s worth of elegant and beautifully crafted performances. [Statuette]
1994 (67th)
To Michelangelo Antonioni in recognition of his place as one of the cinema’s master visual stylists. [Statuette]
To John A. Bonner in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Medal of Commendation]
1995 (68th)
To Kirk Douglas for fifty years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community. [Statuette]
To Chuck Jones for the creation of classic cartoons which have brought worldwide joy for more than half a century. [Statuette]
1996 (69th)
To Michael Kidd in recognition of his services to the art of the dance in the art of the screen. [Statuette]
To Volker W. Bahnemann and Burton “Bud” Stone in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
To Joe Lombardi in celebration of fifty years in the motion picture industry. His knowledge and leadership in the field of pyrotechnics and special effects along with his uncompromising promotion of safety on the set have established the standard for today’s special effects technicians. [Award of Commendaton Plaque]
1997 (70th)
To Stanley Donen in appreciation of a body of work marked by grace, elegance, wit and visual innovation. [Statuette]
To Pete Clark, in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
1998 (71st)
To Elia Kazan in recognition of his indelible contributions to the art of motion picture direction. [Statuette]
To David W. Gray in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
1999 (72nd)
To Andrzej Wajda in recognition of five decades of extraordinary film direction. [Statuette]
To FPC, Incorporated, under the leadership of Barry M. Stultz and Milton Jan Friedman, for the development and implementation of an environmentally responsible program to recycle or destroy discarded motion picture prints. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To Edmund M. Di Giulio in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
To Takuo Miyagishima in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2000 (73rd)
To Jack Cardiff, master of light and color. [Statuette]
To Ernest Lehman, in appreciation of a body of varied and enduring work. [Statuette]
To Ioan Allen for the concept, Robin Bransbury for the design, and Mark Harrah for the implementation of the Trailer Audio Standards Association (TASA) Loudness Standard. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To N. Paul Kenworthy, Jr., in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2001 (74th)
To Sidney Poitier, in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being. [Statuette]
To Robert Redford, actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere. [Statuette]
To Rune Ericson for his pioneering development and thirty years of dedication to the Super-16mm format for motion pictures. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) for the continued publication of the American Cinematographer Manual. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To Ray Feeney in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2002 (75th)
To Peter O’Toole, whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters. [Statuette]
To Curt R. Behlmer and Richard B. Glickman for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2003 (76th)
To Blake Edwards in recognition of his writing, directing and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen. [Statuette]
To Douglas Greenfield in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2004 (77th)
To Sidney Lumet in recognition of his brilliant services to screenwriters, performers and the art of the motion picture. [Statuette]
To Arthur Widmer for his lifetime achievement in the science and technology of image compositing for motion pictures as exemplified by his significant contributions to the development of the Ultra Violet and the “bluescreen” compositing processes. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
2005 (78th)
To Robert Altman in recognition of a career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form and inspired filmmakers and audiences alike. [Statuette]
To Don Hall in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2006 (79th)
To Ennio Morricone in recognition of his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music. [Statuette]
To Ioan Allen, J. Wayne Anderson, Mary Ann Anderson, Ted Costas, Paul R. Goldberg, Shawn Jones, Thomas Kuhn, Dr. Alan Masson, Colin Mossman, Martin Richards, Frank Ricotta and Richard C. Sehlin for their contributions to the environmentally responsible industry conversion from silver-based to cyan dye analog soundtracks. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To Richard Edlund for his outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2007 (80th)
To Robert Boyle in recognition of one of cinema’s great careers in art direction. [Statuette]
To Jonathan Erland in recognition of his leadership and efforts toward identifying and solving the problem of High-Speed Emulsion Stress Syndrome in motion picture film stock. [Award of Commendaton - Special Award Plaque]
To David Inglish for his outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2008 (81st)
To Mark Kimball in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
2009 (82nd)
To Lauren Bacall in recognition of her central place in the golden age of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Roger Corman for his rich engendering of films and filmmakers. [Statuette]
To Gordon Willis for unsurpassed mastery of light, shadow, color and motion. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 1st Governors Awards ceremony on November 14, 2009, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2010 (83rd)
To Kevin Brownlow for the wise and devoted chronicling of the cinematic parade. [Statuette]
To Jean-Luc Godard for passion. For confrontation. For a new kind of cinema. [Statuette]
To Eli Wallach for a lifetime’s worth of indelible screen characters. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 2nd Governors Awards ceremony on November 13, 2010, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
To Denny Clairmont in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
NOTE: The John A. Bonner Award was presented at the Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony on February 12, 2011, in the Ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
2011 (84th)
To James Earl Jones for his legacy of consistent excellence and uncommon versatility. [Statuette]
To Dick Smith for his unparalleled mastery of texture, shade, form and illusion. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 3rd Governors Awards ceremony on November 12, 2011, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2012 (85th)
To Hal Needham an innovator, mentor and master technician who elevated his craft to an art and made the impossible look easy. [Statuette]
To D. A. Pennebaker who redefined the language of film and taught a generation of filmmakers to look to reality for inspiration. [Statuette]
To George Stevens, Jr. a tireless champion of the arts in America and especially that most American of arts: the Hollywood film. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 4th Governors Awards ceremony on December 1, 2012, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2013 (86th)
To Angela Lansbury, an entertainment icon who has created some of cinema’s most memorable characters, inspiring generations of actors. [Statuette]
To Steve Martin, in recognition of his extraordinary talents and the unique inspiration he has brought to the art of motion pictures. [Statuette]
To Piero Tosi, a visionary whose incomparable costume designs shaped timeless, living art in motion pictures. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 5th Governors Awards ceremony on November 16, 2013, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
To Charles “Tad” Marburg, in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
NOTE: The John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation was presented at the Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony on February 15, 2014, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
2014 (87th)
To Jean-Claude Carriere, whose elegantly crafted screenplays elevate the art of screenwriting to the level of literature. [Statuette]
To Hayao Miyazaki, a master storyteller whose animated artistry has inspired filmmakers and audiences around the world. [Statuette]
To Maureen O’Hara, one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, whose inspiring performances glowed with passion, warmth and strength. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 6th Governors Awards ceremony on November 8, 2014, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2015 (88th)
To Spike Lee, filmmaker, educator, motivator, iconoclast, artist. [Statuette]
To Gena Rowlands, who has illuminated the human experience through her brilliant, passionate and fearless performances. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 7th Governors Awards ceremony on November 14, 2015, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2016 (89th)
To Jackie Chan, an international film star who has captivated millions with his wit, boundless energy and unparalleled athletic artistry. [Statuette]
To Anne V. Coates, in recognition of a film editing career of remarkable breadth and exceptional collaborative achievement. [Statuette]
To Lynn Stalmaster, a true pioneer whose keen insight and inspired creativity transformed the art of motion picture casting. [Statuette]
To Frederick Wiseman, whose masterful and distinctive documentaries examine the familiar and reveal the unexpected. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 8th Governors Awards ceremony on November 12, 2016, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2017 (90th)
To Charles Burnett, a resolutely independent and influential film pioneer who has chronicled the lives of black Americans with eloquence and insight. [Statuette]
To Owen Roizman whose expansive visual style and technical innovation have advanced the art of cinematography. [Statuette]
To Donald Sutherland for a lifetime of indelible characters, rendered with unwavering truthfulness. [Statuette]
To Agnès Varda whose compassion and curiosity inform a uniquely personal cinema. [Statuette]
To Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Carne y Arena virtual reality installation in recognition of a visionary and powerful experience in storytelling. [The honorary awards were presented] [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 9th Governors Awards ceremony on November 11, 2017, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2018 (91st)
To Marvin Levy for an exemplary career in publicity that has brought films to the minds, hearts and souls of audiences all over the world. [Statuette]
To Lalo Schifrin in recognition of his unique musical style, compositional integrity and influential contributions to the art of film scoring. [Statuette]
To Cicely Tyson whose unforgettable performances and personal integrity have inspired generations of filmmakers, actors and audiences. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 10th Governors Awards ceremony on November 18, 2018, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
To Curtis Clark in recognition of extraordinary service to the motion picture industry. [John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation]
NOTE: The John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation was presented at the Scientific and Technical awards ceremony on February 9, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
2019 (92nd)
David Lynch [Statuette]
Wes Studi [Statuette]
Lina Wertmüller [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 11th Governors Awards ceremony on October 27, 2019, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2021 (94th)
Samuel L. Jackson [Statuette]
Elaine May [Statuette]
Liv Ullmann [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 12th Governors Awards ceremony on March 25, 2022, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
2022 (95th)
Euzhan Palcy is a pioneering filmmaker whose groundbreaking significance in international cinema is cemented in film history. [Statuette]
Diane Warren's music and lyrics have magnified the emotional impact of countless motion pictures and inspired generations of musical artists. [Statuette]
Peter Weir is a director of consummate skill and artistry whose work reminds us of the power of film to reveal the full range of human experience. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 13th Governors Awards ceremony on November 19, 2022, at the Fairmont Century Plaza, Century City.
2023 (96th)
Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. [Statuette]
Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. [Statuette]
Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. [Statuette]
NOTE: The Honorary Awards were presented at the 14th Governors Awards ceremony on January 9, 2024, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.