Once the pre-show is completed, it's time for the 74th Annual Academy Awards!
In addition to the 24 categories awarding excellence in film, the Academy's Board of Governors typically votes honorary Oscars to long-time legends in the film industry. This year, the Academy will be awarding two Honorary Academy Awards. Both are being presented to two legendary actors. One Honorary Oscar will be awarded 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." In a career that has spanned over 50 years, Sidney Poitier has become an acting legend. He is the only African American to have ever won the Best Leading Actor Oscar (a note that could be amended this year, with a possible lead actor win for Denzel Washington). It was way back in 1963 when he won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in LILIES OF THE FIELD. Since 1949, Poitier has starred in over forty films, including some classics of American cinema. His landmark films include THE DEFIANT ONES, BLACKBOARD JUNGLE, TO SIR WITH LOVE, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, and IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, containing one of his signature roles.
The other Honorary Academy Award to be presented this year will be given to Robert Redford ... the citation will read "Robert Redford - Actor, Director, Producer, Creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere." This Honorary Oscar is being given to Redford as much for his body of work as an accomplished actor and director, but also for his timeless efforts in promoting independent film through his many efforts with the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival. His impact on promoting independent film has been enormous. Since 1962, Redford as an actor has appeared in more than 35 films, including such landmarks as ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, THE WAY WE WERE, and THE STING. And he continues to work, starring in more recent films like UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, INDECENT PROPOSAL, SNEAKERS, SPY GAME, and more. As a director, he won the Best Director Academy Award of 1980 for ORDINARY PEOPLE, and was again nominated for Best Director for QUIZ SHOW in 1994. His other directorial efforts include THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, THE HORSE WHISPERER, and the more recent THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE.
