Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks
The two US stars receive honorary Oscars
Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks can look forward to honorary Oscars.
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“Black Panther” star Angela Bassett and comedy legend Mel Brooks are among the recipients of the honorary Oscar.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced this year’s honorary Oscar winners. actress Angela Bassett (64), comedian legend Mel Brooks (96) and editor Carol Littleton (81) are honored for their life’s work.
Angela Bassett: Honorary Oscar after two unsuccessful nominations
For Angela Bassett it would be the first Academy Award after two unsuccessful nominations – even if honorary Oscars are not traditionally counted on the same level as regular golden boys. The actress was first known in 1993 for her portrayal of Tina Turner (1939-2023) in “Tina – What’s Love Got to Do with It?” in the race.
Her second nomination followed this year. She was even considered a favorite for her supporting role in “Black Panther – Wakanda Forever”, but surprisingly lost to Jamie Lee Curtis (64) in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.
Now an honorary Oscar for EGOT Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks already has a regular Oscar to his credit. The comedian won for his first feature film “Spring for Hitler” (1968) and was honored for his screenplay. As Brooks is also an Emmy, Grammy and Tony recipient, he is one of the few entertainers to be able to call themselves an EGOT winner. The New Yorker is also active in his mid-90s. He just released The Mad Story of the World Part II, the serial sequel to his 1981 parody film.
The third name in the league of honorees is the least known. Carol Littleton was nominated for an Oscar for editing Steven Spielberg’s (76) “ET – The Extra-Terrestrial”. The film editor worked closely with director Lawrence Kasdan (74), including for the westerns “Silverado” and “Wyatt Earp”.
The Oscars will be presented at the Governors Awards ceremony on November 18, 2023. Pictures from the gala will be shown at the next regular Oscars in spring 2024.
The fourth prize to be awarded this evening is the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Michelle Satter, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, is recognized for her charitable work.