Academy Honors Glenn Close with Honorary Oscar

Glenn Close will finally receive an Oscar, joining director Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman in receiving honorary Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this recognition at the Governors Awards.

The academy praised Close’s work, noting, “Throughout her extraordinary body of work, Glenn Close’s unparalleled emotional range has brought to life some of the most complex characters in cinema.”

Floyd Norman, a trailblazing animator, and Sir Ridley Scott, a visionary director, will also be honored. Norman’s 65-year career began in 1956 when he became the first Black animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributing to classics like “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Jungle Book.” Later, he worked on modern hits like “Mulan” and “Toy Story 2.”

Ridley Scott, known for his work on films such as “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” has been nominated four times without a win. Like Close, his career has significantly contributed to cinema.

Close, who is 79, was first nominated in 1983. Her roles in “Fatal Attraction” and 2020’s “Hillbilly Elegy” are among her eight nominations. She ties with Peter O’Toole for most nominations without a win. Despite this, she holds multiple Emmys, Tonys, Grammys, and Golden Globes.

Producer Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. They co-founded Killer Films in 1995, producing films like “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Carol.” The academy highlighted their influence on independent cinema.

The awards ceremony on November 15 will take place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Ovation Hollywood. This event precedes the main Oscars and unofficially starts Hollywood’s award season. The awards given honor lifetime achievement and outstanding contributions to film arts and sciences.