The Academy's Board of Governors recently announced all their choices last week. I certainly can't be disappointed by their choices. I still think some individuals like Ennio Morricone, Gordon Willis, and particularly Debbie Reynolds and Doris Day (who have been tirelessly lobbied for by my web site partner Jim Pinkston), still should have received the special honors they so richly deserve. If you read the unanimous support that both actresses have received at our nominations lobby, you'll see why we had to be somewhat disappointed by the Academy's choices this year.
The Academy announced that they will be giving two Honorary Oscars this year, and they are giving them to two incredible acting legends, so I won't be disappointed to see either accepting these honors on Oscar Night. One honorary Oscar will be given to Sidney Poitier, "for his extraordinary performances and unique presence on the screen, and for representing the motion picture industry with dignity, style, and intelligence throughout the world." Poitier is indeed a legend, having been in the film industry for more than 50 years now. From his riveting performances in The Defiant Ones, Lilies in the Field, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, In The Heat of the Night, and A Raisin in the Sun to some of his latest performances, he has been an incredible actor of a very high caliber, and he certainly deserves this honor.
The other honorary Oscar will be given to another acting legend, Robert Redford. I'm not only happy to see him honored here for his body of film work, which is as impressive as it extensive, but also for his work on behalf of independent cinema, particularly with the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, which has led to the Sundance Channel for independent cinema on cable, and more. The citation on his honorary Oscar will read "Robert Redford - Actor, Director, Producer, Creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere." Redford has appeared in over 35 films over his career, including such legendary films as All The President's Men, Indecent Proposal, The Sting, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
We don't often see Redford or Poitier as we do some other actors, so it will be a great moment to see them on Oscar's stage accepting these much deserved honors.
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