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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.
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
